Deactivate Critical Messaging Warnings on iPhones with This Simple Tutorial

What to Know

• Amber alerts on iPhone can be turned off inSettings >Notifications .
• This is also how you disable emergency alerts, public safety alerts, and test alerts.
• Do Not Disturb doesn’t silence government alerts, and you can’t change their tone.

This article explains how to disable Amber alerts on an iPhone. It also covers how to turn off similar government alerts, including emergency, public safety, and test alerts.

How to Disable Amber Alerts and Other iPhone Emergency Alerts

You’re just a few taps away from shutting down these notifications, but be sure to keep reading to learn why we recommend keeping Amber alerts turned on.

1. Tap theSettings app to open it, then tapNotifications .
2. Scroll to the bottom of the screen to find the section labeledGovernment Alerts . Amber alerts and Public Safety Alerts are set to on/green by default; tap a toggle to switch that alert off.
3. TapEmergency Alerts for a few other options. From there, you can control emergency alerts without affecting the option you chose for Amber alerts in the last step. This is also how you stop emergency alerts from bypassing silent mode.
   

Got an Apple Watch?Check out how to avoid notification overload , including notifications from emergency alerts.

Can Do Not Disturb Silence Emergency and Amber Alerts on iPhone?

TheiPhone’s Do Not Disturb feature lets you silence notifications, but it does not work with Amber alerts and other emergency alerts. Because they signal an emergency that could affect your life and safety or someone else’s, Do Not Disturb can’t block these alerts.

There is no way to block or silence Amber alerts except by turning them off. As for emergency alerts, there is a toggle calledAlways Play Sound that you can turn off (see Step 3 above). Doing this prevents the sound from coming through your phone when you’re in silent mode.

Can You Change Emergency and Amber Alert Tones on iPhone?

While you canchange the sound used for other alerts , you can’t customize emergency alert sounds. Yes, the noise for these alerts is unpleasant and may even be startling, but it’s worth remembering that they’re unpleasant because they’re supposed to get your attention.

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Why You Shouldn’t Disable Amber and Emergency Alerts on iPhone

Even though these alerts can sometimes be surprising or unwelcome, you should leave them on—especially the emergency alerts. These messages arrive when there is dangerous weather or another severe health or safety event imminent in your area. If a tornado, flash flood, or other potential natural disaster is heading your way, you’ll want to know so that you can take action.

Emergency andAmber alerts go out rarely and only in specific situations. Given that, the disruption they cause is minor compared to the benefits they offer.

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FAQ

• What is a Blue Alert on iPhone?
  Blue Alerts are sent out when a local law enforcement officer is injured or missing. Like Amber Alerts, Blue Alerts are intended to help aid the community and law enforcement agencies.
• How do I turn off voicemail and text message alerts on my iPhone?
  To turn off iPhone notifications, go toSettings >Notifications >Show Previews >Never . To just disable voicemail and text message alerts, disable alerts for the Phone and Messages app.
• How do I use satellite emergency SOS on my iPhone?
  Touse emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone , try to call emergency services normally. If your phone can’t connect, it will give you the satellite option. TapEmergency Text via Satellite and follow the on-screen prompts to establish a satellite connection.

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