How to Disable Amber Alerts on Android Phone

The Amber (or AMBER) alert system is used to make extensive announcements in the event of child abductions, using TVs, public radio stations and even smartphones to notify the public of the latest developments.

Nevertheless, there are situations where you may want to disable Amber alerts – as well as other emergency alerts – as they are loud and can be triggered at any time of the day.

That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to guide you on how to disable Amber alerts on your Android phone.

Tools and requirements

To disable Amber alerts you will need a Android phone active Android 12 or higher – you can still disable alerts on older versions of Android, but the process is different.

Quick steps to disable Amber alerts on Android phone

Start on the home screen
Open the Settings app
Scroll down and select the Safety and emergencies tab
Select the Wireless emergency alert menu
Disable the AMBER alerts knob

Step-by-step guide to disabling Amber alerts on Android phone

1. Find and open the Settings app

The OnePlus 12 home screen

(Image: © Toekomst)

If you want to disable Amber alerts, you need to go to the Settings app. On most Android phones (we’re using a OnePlus 12), the Settings app will appear as a cog or cog icon. Just tap the app to open it.

2. Scroll down and select the Safety & Emergency tab

The Settings app on OxygenOS 15

(Image: © Toekomst)

Now find the Safety and emergencies tab in the middle of the settings menu list. If it proves difficult to find, try using the Settings app’s search bar to manually enter the name Safety & Emergencies and tap the name to open the tab.

3. Select the Wireless Emergency Alerts menu

The safety and emergency menu on OxygenOS 15

(Image: © Toekomst)

You’re almost there. Once you’re on the Safety & Emergencies tab, look for the Wireless Emergency Alerts tab with a faint arrow pointing to the right. Tap this tab to go to the end menu.

4. Disable the switch for AMBER alerts

The Wireless Emergency Alerts menu on OxygenOS 15

The Wireless Emergency Alerts menu contains a list of buttons for different types of alerts, with a brief description for each. In this case we are looking for the AMBER warning button. Tap the toggle switch to turn off Amber alerts.

In this menu you also have the option to disable Extreme and Severe alerts, which are activated when a threat to life is detected, as well as the option to disable all alerts completely.

Further down the menu you can choose to alert system tests and allow your phone to create regular reminders after an alert is broadcast.

Troubleshooting

Do I need to install the Settings app?

No – the Settings app is pre-installed on your Android phone and in most cases cannot be uninstalled. It is an important part of the Android operating system and can be accessed at any time.

If you need to go to the Settings app but can’t find the icon, you can open the app drawer by sliding up on the home screen and looking for it. Many Android phones also have the ability to search the system by swiping down on the home screen.

How do I enable Amber alerts again?

If you want to turn Amber alerts or any other type of emergency alert back on, simply follow this guide through step three. Ignore step four and then slide the switch back to the active position.