Singapore’s new SG Alert system test

At noon on 10 May, every smartphone connected to the Singtel network in Singapore will sound a 10-second alarm. But, don’t worry, it’s not a glitch. It’s Singapore’s new emergency alert system getting tested for the first time.

If you’re on Singtel (or any of the MVNOs that use its network like Gomo, VIVIFI, Zero1, or Zym Mobile), expect your phone to light up with a pop-up notification headed “SG Alert” at exactly 12pm this Sunday. The alert will come with a unique tone and a distinct vibration pattern lasting up to 10 seconds, and it’ll bypass silent mode and “do not disturb” settings to make sure you can’t miss it. 

This is the first island wide test of SG Alert, the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF’s) new mass emergency notification system. Singapore announced the launch in April after roughly two years of research and development, and Sunday’s test marks the start of a phased rollout that will eventually cover every mobile network in the country, with and expected rollout over StarHub’s network by end-2026, followed by M1’s and SIMBA’s network by mid-2027.

Singapore already has air-raid sirens, TV and radio broadcasts, and apps like SGSecure. SG Alert is designed for emergencies like major fires, chemical incidents, or terror attacks, where authorities need to push protective instructions to people fast. 

The technology behind it is called cell broadcast. Unlike SMS, which can choke during network congestion, cell broadcast pushes messages to many devices at once without needing mobile data or collecting personal information. There’s no app to install. Similar systems already run in Thailand, Japan, South Korea, and the US. 

More information can be found at the SCDF’s Facebook page.

What the alert will actually look like

The message format is consistent. Every SG Alert will carry four pieces of information: 

For older phones, the header may show up as “Presidential alert” instead of “SG Alert” because of compatibility issues. The content stays identical, and SCDF says it’s working to standardise the header. 

FAQ: What you actually need to know

Will I get the alert on Sunday?

Only if you’re on Singtel’s network. That includes anyone subscribed to Singtel Mobile Virtual Network Operators like Gomo, VIVIFI, Zero1, and Zym Mobile. StarHub, M1, and SIMBA users won’t get this test. StarHub gets onboarded by end-2026, with M1 and SIMBA following by mid-2027. 

Do I need to download anything? Sign up anywhere?

No. SG Alert requires no app downloads and no account registration. It’s a built-in capability triggered by your phone’s operating system. 

Is my phone compatible?

Check your OS. SG Alert works on iPhones running iOS 26.4 or later, and Android phones running OS 12 or above with the Google Play system update from 1 February 2026 onwards. If you’ve been ignoring update reminders, this is the nudge to stop. 

What about tourists and foreign visitors?

They’re covered too. Foreign visitors using phones connected to Singapore mobile networks, including data-only e-SIMs, will receive alerts when in an affected area. 

Will it work if I have no data, no Wi-Fi, or my phone is on silent?

Yes to all three. The alert is broadcast through cellular network signals from mobile base stations, so it doesn’t need mobile data or an internet connection. It’s also designed to override silent mode, and during a call it’ll display a pop-up that overrides your screen. 

What language will it be in?

English plus your phone’s preferred language setting, if that setting is one of Singapore’s four official languagesl. Phones set to other languages get the alert in English. 

Will SCDF be tracking me through this?

No. The system doesn’t collect or track personal data, and it operates independently of mobile data services. 

What if I miss the test on Sunday?

It’s a test, not a drill you have to pass. The point is to validate that the system works at scale. If you don’t get the alert and you’re on Singtel with an updated phone, that’s useful data for SCDF, although most likely it just means your phone needs an OS update.

When will SG Alert actually be used for real?

Only during emergencies that require the public to take immediate action — serious incidents like major fires, chemical leaks, or terror events. SCDF can fire it islandwide or target a specific zone, depending on what the situation needs. 

Is this replacing the air-raid sirens?

No. SG Alert sits alongside existing systems including the Public Warning System sirens, free-to-air TV and radio, social media, and SGSecure. Each tool plays a different role.