iPhone/iPad

Activate Cell Broadcast: How it works

Activate Cell Broadcast: How it works

Activate Cell Broadcast to receive important alerts on your cell phone. A test alert will also be sent to your cell phone on the day of the alert.

Enable Cell Broadcast – iOS

Cell Broadcast Settings on iPhone:

  1. Open the device settings
  2. Select “Notifications”
  3. Scroll to the bottom of the screen
  4. Under “Cell Broadcast Alerts” you can make the settings
  5. The items “Extreme Danger” and “Hazard Information” should be activated.
  6. The “Test Alerts” option is for internal phone provider purposes and does not need to be activated.



Enable Cell Broadcast – Android

Cell broadcast settings on Android devices:

  1. Open the device settings
  2. Select the menu item “Notifications”
  3. Under “Mobile emergency notifications” you can make the settings
  4. The items “Extreme danger”, “Significant danger” and “Hazard information” should be activated
  5. The “Test warning” option is also for internal purposes and does not need to be activated
  6. An alternative way to access the cell broadcast settings on Android devices is via the “Messages” app

Why you should enable Cell Broadcast

Die Cell BroadcastEnabling the feature is important because it provides a quick and reliable way to get vital information in an emergency. Here are some reasons why it makes sense:

  • Early warnings: Cell broadcast enables authorities to quickly warn people about dangers such as natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes, floods), extreme weather events or other emergencies (such as terrorist attacks or large-scale power outages).
  • Widespread distribution: Unlike other alert systems such as apps or social media, Cell Broadcast works independently of the cellular connection or the Internet. As long as the phone is switched on and connected to a cellular network, messages can be received.
  • No overloading of the network: Cell broadcast is efficient because it can send messages to many devices in a specific area at the same time without overloading the cellular network. Other services such as SMS or calls could be blocked in an emergency if many people try to contact their families or friends at the same time.
  • Location-based alerts: Messages are sent to all mobile devices in a specific geographic area. This means that only those located in the affected region receive the alerts, increasing relevance.
  • Privacy friendly: Cell Broadcast does not require any personal data or location information from the user, making it a privacy-friendly system.
About author

As a tech enthusiast and writer for votoh.com, I focus on providing practical solutions for common issues related to iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Office, Smart TVs, software, games, and hardware. With a passion for simplifying technology, I aim to make complex topics accessible to everyone, offering tips and troubleshooting advice to help users navigate the digital world with ease.