How to Stay Safe with Emergency Alerts on Android & iPhone During India-Pakistan Tensions

What you need to Know

• Emergency alerts provide real-time government notifications during crises.

• The exact alert settings vary across Android brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, etc.

• Alerts override silent mode and work without mobile data or Wi-Fi.

• Enabling alerts is critical for safety during military threats, disasters, and blackouts.

• Smartphones are essential survival tools in modern emergencies.

• AndroBranch urges all users to activate emergency alerts and stay prepared.

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With increased tensions between India and Pakistan at the border, remaining alert and updated has never been so important. The two countries reached a ceasefire agreement on Saturday, May 10, but mere hours later, sounds of gunfire and explosions in Jammu and Srinagar shattered the quiet. A number of regions, including Punjab, Haryana, and Jammu & Kashmir, were subjected to blackouts, putting the locals into panic and uncertainty.

In these situations, government agency-initiated emergency alerts received directly on phones can be life-saving. The alerts provide live information during crises like war conflicts, natural catastrophes, or public safety threats. On a technology platform like AndroBranch, it's our role to instruct our readers on leveraging the tools they already possess in their hands their smartphones to remain ready.

Below is an in-depth description of how to turn on emergency alerts on Android and iPhone smartphones.

What Are Emergency Alerts & Why They Matter?

Emergency alerts are critical government notifications intended to inform and protect the public during times of crisis. Whether it is a military threat such as a ceasefire breach, a natural disaster such as an earthquake or flood, a major accident, or a public safety crisis, these alerts are intended to provide critical information when it is most needed. They can also alert to power cuts, network shutdowns, or even terror attacks and evacuation notices. What makes them particularly important is that they can cut through silent mode and work without mobile data or internet connectivity. So even if your phone is in mute mode or you are in a blackout or weak network area, these alerts make sure you're still contacted with life-saving updates just in time.

In such cases of national or regional crisis, official alerts from the government are an important channel of communication. Such alerts inform the people about possible dangers, including military operations, terrorist strikes, natural calamities, and even serious public safety concerns like power failure or evacuation.

Emergency alerts are delivered via cellular networks and show up as notifications on your phone even if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Let’s now look at how to enable these emergency alerts on your phone to stay safe and informed.

How to Turn On Emergency Alerts on Android Phones

Since Android runs across multiple brands Samsung, OnePlus, Realme, Xiaomi, etc. the path to enable alerts can vary slightly. But the process is generally straightforward.

Steps to Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on Android:

1. Open the “Settings” app on your phone.

2. Use the search bar or navigate to “Safety and Emergency” or “Emergency Alerts.”

3. Tap on “Wireless Emergency Alerts.”

4. Enable all available alert types like:

   • Extreme threats

   • Severe threats

   • Public safety alerts

   • AMBER alerts

   • Test alerts

Note: On some Android phones, the setting may be located under:

• Advanced Settings

• More Settings

• Cell Broadcast

Look for terms like “Emergency Broadcasts” if the options seem hidden.

Android Brands Reference:

• Samsung: Settings → Safety and Emergency → Wireless Emergency Alerts

• Realme & OPPO: Settings → Notifications & Status Bar → More Settings → Emergency Broadcasts

• Xiaomi: Settings → Passwords & Security → Emergency Alerts

Turning these on ensures that even if you're offline or in a low-signal zone, you'll still get the critical government alerts instantly.

Also Read: Top Emergency Apps and Websites for Indians Amid India Pakistan Border Tensions

How to Turn On Emergency Alerts on iPhone

iPhones offer built-in support for Government Alerts which can be activated from the settings.

Steps to Enable Alerts on iPhone:

1. Open Settings.

2. Tap on Notifications.

3. Scroll to the bottom and locate “Government Alerts.”

4. Toggle ON the switches for:

   • Emergency Alerts

   • Public Safety Alerts

   • Test Alerts (optional, but recommended)

These alerts come directly from official authorities and override Do Not Disturb mode, ensuring you never miss crucial information.

Why You Should Keep Alerts Enabled

With the latest violation of the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, the circumstances in border locations and high-risk areas have been more and more unpredictable. This is why keeping emergency alerts switched on your mobile phone is now more crucial than ever. They are made to work without an internet or mobile data connection, so they'll be able to reach you even during blackouts or network disconnections. They also override Quiet or Do Not Disturb settings so you won't miss any urgent update. Whether it is a notice on an airstrike, an order to evacuate, or instructions for the closest shelter, these minute-by-minute government-provided messages can lead you to safety in a matter of seconds. Literally, keeping them on may one day be a lifesaver.

Also Read: Brave Browser Now Lets You Block Any Page Element on Android

What Happened on May 10? A Quick Recap

So, what was so special on May 10 that led to the instant call for tech preparedness and emergency messages? It started at 3:35 PM IST when Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) called India to suggest a ceasefire. By 5:00 PM, both countries had agreed on a ceasefire on all firing by land, air, and sea. But the tranquility was short-lived. Only a few hours after, there were reports of explosions in Jammu and Srinagar, and large-scale blackouts hit the likes of Udhampur, Ferozepur, and Jaisalmer. Matters escalated when projectiles were seen in Indian airspace, constituting a ceasefire violation and sparking simmering tensions once again. These are the kinds of moments that show how it's not only intelligent but necessary to remain vigilant and technologically ready.

In the modern fast-paced digital age, your smartphone is not just a means of chatting or browsing it's a survival tool. Particularly in times of uncertainty or in areas of conflict, having emergency alerts activated can be the difference between life and death. It's an easy but important step towards digital readiness and personal security. As a tech-savvy AndroBranch reader, you already know how important it is to stay in the know. So ensure your phone's software is always current, turn on all applicable emergency alert features, and get your friends and loved ones to do the same. Don't keep this information to yourself spread this guide to your network. Because when safety is at stake, awareness is not a choice; it's a necessity.