Google has just expanded its free earthquake warning system to more than 200 countries and regions, up from 98. That means millions of people can now get earthquake alerts on Android phones for the first time, sometimes seconds before the shaking starts. This guide explains how the warnings work, how to turn them on, what the different alerts mean and what to do the moment your phone warns you.
Quick answer: To turn on earthquake alerts on Android, open Settings, go to Safety & emergency and tap Earthquake alerts. On older phones, look under Location > Advanced. Keep location and internet on so your phone can receive warnings.
Contents
- What changed this week
- How Android earthquake warnings work
- How to turn on earthquake alerts on Android
- What you need for the alerts to work
- The two types of earthquake alerts
- What to do when your phone gives an earthquake alert
- Earthquake warnings and your privacy
- Frequently asked questions
- Are Android earthquake warnings free?
- Will I get an alert for every earthquake?
- Why didn’t I get an alert when others did?
- Can I turn the alerts off?
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What changed this week
On 15 October 2026, Google announced that its Android Earthquake Alerts System now covers more than 200 countries and regions. The rollout started the same day and should reach all newly supported areas within about a week. Panama and Guatemala are among the new additions.
Google says the system has sent more than one billion alerts since it launched in 2021. It also plans richer warnings in the coming months, with a map of where shaking is expected, an estimate of how strong it will be and advice on what to do next.
How Android earthquake warnings work
Every Android phone has a small motion sensor called an accelerometer. When a phone is still and plugged in, it can sense the first, faster waves of an earthquake. If many phones in the same area detect the same pattern at once, Google’s servers confirm a likely quake and estimate its location and size.
Alerts then go out to phones in the affected area. Because data travels faster than the slower, more damaging shaking waves, people farther from the centre can get a warning a few seconds before strong shaking arrives. In some places, the system also uses official seismic networks.
A few seconds may not sound like much, but it is enough to drop, cover and hold on, step away from windows or stop a car safely.
How to turn on earthquake alerts on Android
The feature is usually on by default in supported regions, but it is worth checking. Menu names vary slightly between brands.
Pixel and most Android phones
- Open Settings.
- Tap Safety & emergency.
- Tap Earthquake alerts and switch it on.
Older Android versions
- Open Settings and tap Location.
- Tap Advanced or Location services.
- Open Earthquake alerts and turn it on.
Samsung, Tecno, Infinix and Xiaomi
Search for “earthquake” in the Settings search bar. On many Samsung phones it sits under Safety and emergency. If you cannot find it, update your phone and Google Play services, then check again. Our guide on how to update Samsung phone software shows the steps.
What you need for the alerts to work
- Location turned on. The system needs your approximate location to know whether you are in the affected area.
- Mobile data or Wi-Fi. Alerts arrive over the internet.
- A supported region. Coverage is expanding, so some areas may get it later in the rollout.
- Updated software. Keep Google Play services up to date.
Battery saver modes can sometimes delay background services. If your phone often dies before the day ends, read how to make your phone battery last longer.
The two types of earthquake alerts
Google uses two levels of alert, depending on how strong the shaking is expected to be where you are:
- Be Aware: for light shaking. It appears as a normal notification and respects your Do Not Disturb settings.
- Take Action: for moderate to strong shaking. It takes over your screen, plays a loud sound and can break through Do Not Disturb.
You can test what an alert looks like from the Earthquake alerts settings page on many phones, so you recognise it instantly when it matters.
What to do when your phone gives an earthquake alert
- Drop to your hands and knees.
- Cover your head and neck, ideally under a sturdy table.
- Hold on until the shaking stops.
If you are driving, slow down and stop in a safe place away from bridges and power lines. If you are outdoors, move away from buildings and poles. Official agencies such as the USGS Earthquake Hazards Program publish more safety advice.
Earthquake warnings and your privacy
Many people worry about sharing motion data. Google says the system uses approximate location and anonymised sensor data to detect quakes. You can turn the feature off at any time from the same settings page. For wider protection, see our guide on how to protect your phone from hackers.
Frequently asked questions
Are Android earthquake warnings free?
Yes. The feature is built into Android and costs nothing to use.
Will I get an alert for every earthquake?
No. Alerts go out mainly for quakes strong enough to be felt, and only to people in the affected area.
Why didn’t I get an alert when others did?
Your phone may have had location off, no internet, or an older software version. It may also be outside the area where shaking was expected.
Can I turn the alerts off?
Yes, but it is safer to leave them on. A few seconds of warning can prevent injuries.
Take one minute today to check your settings and switch on earthquake alerts on Android. Share this guide with family members so their phones are ready too.
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