AusAlert National Test 27 July 2026: How to Prepare Autistic Children and Adults
What is the AusAlert test?
On Monday 27 July 2026, the Australian Government will run the first national test of AusAlert, Australia's new emergency warning system. Nearly every phone, and some smart watches and tablets, will vibrate and play a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds. A message will appear on device screens, clearly stating that it is a test. It is not a real emergency, and nobody needs to do anything.
What time is the AusAlert test in my state?
The test happens at the same moment across Australia: 2:00pm AEST in QLD, NSW, VIC, TAS and the ACT; 1:30pm ACST in SA and the NT; 12:00pm AWST in WA. The alert sounds even if a phone is on silent or Do Not Disturb, and volume settings will not stop it.
Can you turn off the AusAlert test?
The only way to avoid the AusAlert test is to switch devices off or to aeroplane mode before your local test time and leave them off for at least one hour. The test is a Critical Alert, so it cannot be disabled in phone settings. This is the official Australian Government advice, and choosing not to receive the test is a completely reasonable option where the siren would cause distress.
How do I prepare an autistic child or adult for the test?
Preparation is what turns a hard moment into a manageable one. Talk about the test early, in clear and explicit language: "Phones will make a very loud sound. Don't worry. Everything is OK." Listen to the siren together beforehand, because familiar sounds are less frightening.
Add the test to a visual schedule or social story for Monday at your local time, and have sensory supports ready: headphones, a quiet room, whatever works for your autistic person. During the ten seconds, stay close, count it down together, then name the ending: "That was the test. It's finished. Everything is OK."
What should schools and clinics do?
Many phones will sound at nearly the same moment, so avoid demanding tasks, assessments or transitions at your local test time. Brief every staff member and share the plan with families the week before, so home and school use the same words. Our free one-page guide for schools covers all of this and can be printed, shared with staff, and sent home to families. Download it using the button below.
What if a device doesn't get the alert, or shows a different message?
Devices behave differently during the test, and that is expected. Some will sound a little late, some not at all, and older devices may show "Presidential Alert" or "Extreme Threat Alert" as the heading. It is the same test.
Where can I find more information?
You can find accessible resources, including an Easy Read version, on the disability and extra support pages at ausalert.gov.au. All details on this page are verified against the official site.