Android Earthquake Alerts Not Working? 5 Easy Fixes to Stay Safe (2024)

When seconds matter during an earthquake, you need your phone to warn you. Android’s earthquake alert system saves lives. It gives you time to take cover or get out safely. But what if these alerts don’t work when you need them?

Many Android users miss these vital warnings. This happens due to wrong settings, location problems, or carrier issues. The good news? You can fix most problems quickly.

What Are Android Earthquake Alerts?

Android uses your phone to detect earthquakes. It checks movement patterns from many phones in one area. When it finds earthquake motion, it sends alerts.

Two Types of Alerts

Be Aware Alerts

• Light shaking (level 3-4)
• Gives you a heads-up

Take Action Alerts

• Strong shaking (level 4+)
• Tells you to drop, cover, and hold on

These alerts work even on silent mode. They show full-screen warnings with safety tips.

Method 1: Turn On Emergency Alerts

This is the main reason alerts fail. The emergency alert switch might be off.

Steps to Enable Alerts

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Safety & emergency
3. Tap Emergency alerts
4. Turn ON these options:
   • Allow alerts
   • Extreme threats
   • Severe threats
   • Required monthly test
   • State and local tests

5. Find Earthquake alerts section
6. Turn ON both options:
   • Earthquake alerts
   • Earthquake early warning

What to Expect: You should get earthquake alerts within 1-2 days if there’s activity nearby. Monthly test alerts confirm it’s working.

Method 2: Fix Location Services

Earthquake alerts target specific areas. Your phone needs to know where you are.

Enable Location Access

1. Go to Settings > Location
2. Turn ON the Location toggle
3. Tap App location permissions
4. Find Emergency Location Service
5. Select Allow all the time

Improve Location Accuracy

1. In Location settings, tap Advanced
2. Turn ON these features:
   • Wi-Fi scanning
   • Bluetooth scanning
   • Google Location Accuracy

What to Expect: Better location data means you get alerts for your exact area.

Method 3: Update Your Phone

Old software can block earthquake alerts. Keep your system current.

Update Google Play Services

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Tap your profile picture
3. Select Manage apps & device
4. Tap Updates available
5. Update Google Play Services

Update System Software

1. Go to Settings > System
2. Tap System update
3. Tap Check for update
4. Install any updates
5. Restart your phone

What to Expect: Current software fixes bugs that stop alerts from working.

Method 4: Check Your Carrier

Some phone carriers limit emergency alerts. They might need special setup.

Contact Your Carrier

Call customer service and ask:

• Are earthquake alerts supported here?
• Is my plan set up for emergency alerts?
• Do I need to activate anything?

Supported Areas

Earthquake alerts work in:

• United States (all states)
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• Turkey and Greece (limited)
• Central Asian countries

What to Expect: Carrier activation ensures alerts reach your phone through cell towers.

Method 5: Clear Phone Cache

Old data files can block alerts. Clear them to fix problems.

Clear Alert Cache

1. Go to Settings > Apps
2. Tap See all apps
3. Find Emergency Alerts
4. Tap Storage & cache
5. Tap Clear cache
6. Restart your phone

Reset Network Settings (If Needed)

Only try this if other methods don’t work:

1. Go to Settings > System
2. Tap Reset options
3. Select Reset network settings
4. Confirm the reset

Warning: This erases all Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections.

What to Expect: Clean settings help alerts get through properly.

Keep Your Alerts Working

Check Weekly

• Test if location works in weather apps
• Keep your battery charged above 20%

Check Monthly

• Look for monthly test alerts
• Update Google Play Services when asked
• Check your emergency contacts

After Phone Updates

• Re-check earthquake alert settings
• Test location services again
• Make sure settings didn’t change

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: No emergency alerts at all

• Check if you’re in a supported area
• Make sure your Android version is 5.0 or newer
• Turn off airplane mode

Problem: Other alerts work, but not earthquakes

• Double-check earthquake settings are on
• Test GPS accuracy in maps
• Contact Google support if needed

Problem: Alerts come too late

• Turn on Google Location Accuracy
• Check your internet connection
• Turn off battery saving mode

Problem: Phone says alerts unavailable

• You might be in an unsupported area
• Check Google’s earthquake alert map
• Some regions have limited coverage

Stay Safe with Working Alerts

Earthquake alerts give you precious warning time. A few seconds can mean the difference between safety and injury.

The most important step is turning on earthquake alerts in your phone settings. Make sure location services work well too. Keep your software updated and check settings regularly.

Take five minutes now to check these settings. When an earthquake hits, those extra seconds of warning could save your life.

Remember: earthquake alerts are just one part of staying safe. Learn what to do during earthquakes and keep emergency supplies ready.