We all appreciate the importance of AMBER Alerts, especially when they help locate missing children. However, these loud, sudden notifications can be disruptive at inconvenient times, like when you’re in a meeting or asleep. The good news is that Android offers a way to turn off AMBER Alerts while allowing you to receive other crucial emergency alerts. In this guide, I’ll show you how to easily manage your alerts, including wireless emergency alerts, on most Android devices, so you can customize what you want to receive.
Steps to Turn Off AMBER Alerts on Android
- Open the Settings App
First, navigate to your phone’s Settings by tapping the Settings app icon on your home screen or in your app drawer. - Go to Notifications
Scroll down until you find the Notifications section, and tap on it. Depending on your device model, this might be labeled as Apps & Notifications or simply Notifications. - Tap on Wireless Emergency Alerts
Look for the option called Wireless Emergency Alerts or something similar, such as Emergency Alerts or Public Safety Alerts. On Samsung phones, you may find this under Advanced Settings or in a submenu. The name could vary slightly for other Android devices. - Select Alert Types
Once inside the Wireless Emergency Alerts section, you’ll see different alert types, such as severe threats, extreme threats, and AMBER Alerts. There may also be options for test alerts and severe weather alerts. - Disable AMBER Alerts
You’ll see an AMBER Alert toggle (often labeled “AMBER Alerts”). To turn them off, simply tap the toggle switch so it turns gray or appears “off.” This will disable AMBER Alerts on your device. If you want, you can also turn off other emergency alerts, such as extreme alerts or severe threats. - Verify the Change
Once you’ve toggled off the alerts, you’re all set! You will no longer receive AMBER Alerts but can still receive other important alerts like severe weather or public safety alerts, depending on your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still receive other alerts if I turn off AMBER Alerts?
Yes, even after you disable AMBER Alerts, you can still receive other wireless emergency alerts, like severe threats and extreme weather.
2. Where do I find Wireless Emergency Alerts on Samsung phones?
On Samsung phones, it’s located under Advanced Settings in the Settings menu. From there, you can manage all your alert preferences, including AMBER Alerts.
3. Do all Android devices allow turning off AMBER Alerts?
Yes, most Android phones can turn off AMBER Alerts in the settings menu. However, the exact steps may vary slightly depending on your phone model and mobile carrier.
4. What are AMBER Alerts, and why are they so loud?
AMBER Alerts are part of a broadcast emergency response system that locates a missing child. They are designed to grab attention with a loud sound and vibration to raise awareness quickly.
5. Can I turn off severe weather or extreme alerts too?
Yes, in the Wireless Emergency Alerts section, you can also toggle severe, extreme, and other emergency notifications as needed.
6. Will I miss important alerts if I turn off AMBER Alerts?
By turning off AMBER Alerts, you will only miss notifications related to a missing child. However, if you leave them enabled, you can receive other alerts, such as extreme threats and severe weather warnings.