Recommended Free Tools
Emergency Alerts on Samsung devices are designed to push urgent public-safety messages directly to your phone, even when you’re in low-notification modes. If you’re hearing the siren or seeing pop-ups more often than you want, you can usually control what’s delivered.
This guide walks you through the exact Samsung settings paths to turn off Emergency Alerts, explains what can’t be fully disabled in many regions/carriers, and gives troubleshooting steps when toggles are missing or alerts keep coming.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What Emergency Alerts Are (and What You Can Actually Turn Off)
On Samsung Galaxy phones, “Emergency Alerts” typically refers to Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)—government and public-safety notifications delivered over your mobile carrier. Depending on your country and carrier, some categories may be disabled while others remain mandatory.
In many setups, you can turn off options for things like severe weather-style alerts, but you may not be able to disable every alert type. Also, some alerts are designed to override notification settings for safety.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Check Your Device and Android/One UI Version
Samsung menu names vary slightly between One UI versions. Before you change anything, confirm your software version so you know which labels to look for.
How to check: Open Settings → About phone → find Software information (Android version and One UI version).
If your device is running One UI 5.x/6.x, the Emergency Alerts toggle is usually under Notifications or Safety/Availability settings. On older versions, it may be under Connections or Messages-related settings.
Turn Off Emergency Alerts on Samsung (Standard Method)
Most users can stop Emergency Alerts using the main system toggle in Samsung Settings.
Step-by-step in Settings
- Open Settings (from the app drawer or notification shade).
- Tap Notifications.
- Look for Emergency alerts (sometimes listed as Emergency alerts or Wireless emergency alerts).
- Toggle off Emergency alerts.
If you see only one master switch, turning it off should prevent new Emergency Alerts from sounding and showing. If the screen shows categories, use the category toggles instead of the master switch.
Control by Alert Category (if available)
Some Samsung builds show category options instead of (or in addition to) a single toggle. Common categories include:
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- Alerts such as emergency notifications
- Severe weather
- AMBER alerts (missing child notifications)
- Public safety
- Extreme (or similar) weather alerts
Turn off categories you don’t want, and leave on the ones you consider critical. If a category can’t be turned off, that’s usually due to regional/carrier requirements.
Turn Off Emergency Alerts for Specific Apps and Notification Channels
Occasionally, what feels like an Emergency Alert is actually coming from a Samsung app, your carrier app, or a third-party safety/weather app. In that case, you won’t find a working switch under “Emergency alerts.”
Confirm the alert is a system alert vs. an app
- When an alert appears, pull down the notification shade and tap the notification.
- Check the app name at the top of the notification details (for example, “Samsung Messages,” “Carrier Services,” “Weather,” etc.).
- If it’s tied to an app, go to that app’s notification settings instead of the system Emergency Alerts toggle.
If the notification clearly says it’s from the system (or it matches WEA behavior), stick with the Emergency Alerts settings path.
If the Toggle Is Missing or Greyed Out
That’s a common problem—and it usually comes from one of three causes: the phone label moved, your region/carrier restricts the setting, or your software build doesn’t expose the control.
Carrier and region constraints
In many countries and with certain carriers, some Emergency Alerts are mandatory and can’t be disabled. Even if you find a toggle, it might be greyed out, hidden, or limited to specific categories only.
If you’re using a prepaid plan or an MVNO (mobile virtual network operator), your carrier may enforce alert behavior at the network level.
Rank #3
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Software or permission issues
Occasionally, a system UI bug or an interrupted update can hide the setting. A quick reboot can help, but a software update usually fixes it.
What to try first: Restart the phone, then return to Settings → Notifications → Emergency alerts.
Check for updates (One UI / Android)
- Open Settings.
- Tap Software update.
- Tap Download and install.
Use Wi‑Fi if possible, because update packages can be large (often over 1 GB depending on the release).
Alternative Controls: Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and Messages Settings
Samsung doesn’t always place every WEA control in the same menu. Some builds include extra switches under WEA-related entries, and a few older or customized environments include Messages app options.
Wireless Emergency Alerts on supported devices
- Go to Settings → Notifications.
- Open Emergency alerts.
- If you see wording like Wireless emergency alerts, turn off the relevant toggles there.
If you don’t see WEA wording at all, search inside Settings: open Settings, then use the search bar and type emergency alerts.
Messages app settings (when applicable)
In some regions or carrier customizations, emergency alert handling is integrated into Samsung’s messaging stack.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- Open Messages (the Samsung Messages app).
- Tap Menu (often three dots) → Settings.
- Look for Emergency alerts or Wireless emergency alerts.
- Turn off the option(s) if present.
If Messages doesn’t show anything related to emergency alerts, ignore this path and return to Settings → Notifications.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Test Your Changes Safely
You can’t always trigger real emergency alerts on demand, but you can confirm your phone stops sounding for WEA-style events.
What you can do safely: confirm Emergency alerts is turned off, then wait. If alerts still arrive, it’s either a category you didn’t disable, a mandatory class your carrier won’t allow to be muted, or the notification is coming from a different system/app channel.
Common Mistakes and Gotchas
- Confusing ringtones/vibration with Emergency Alerts: WEA messages often use a fixed, high-priority behavior that won’t respect normal notification sound settings.
- Turning off sound but leaving the alert category enabled: If the category toggle stays on, you may still see pop-ups even with reduced volume.
- Overlooking mandatory alerts: Some categories can’t be disabled in your location/carrier. Expect a grey toggle or limited control.
- Assuming every urgent alert is WEA: Carrier apps and weather apps can send loud notifications with their own notification channels.
- Not verifying the notification source: Always check the app name in notification details before changing the wrong setting.
Troubleshooting Checklist (When Alerts Won’t Stop)
If you followed the standard steps and alerts still come in, work through this checklist in order. Most issues resolve within a couple of tries.
Step-by-step recovery flow
- Verify the setting: Go to Settings → Notifications → Emergency alerts and confirm the master switch and category toggles are all off.
- Search again in Settings: Open Settings search and type emergency or WEA.
- Check for app-based notifications: If the notification details show an app name (carrier/weather/safety app), disable its channel: Settings → Notifications → App notifications → select the app → turn off the relevant category.
- Restart your phone: A reboot clears some stuck system notification routing.
- Update the phone: Go to Settings → Software update and install the latest build (security and system UI fixes can affect notification settings).
- Check SIM/carrier behavior: If you recently changed carriers or SIM, re-check the settings afterward. Some carriers re-enable network-level behaviors.
- Test after a short interval: WEA events may be queued. Wait 10–30 minutes after changes and confirm new alerts stop.
If the setting remains greyed out after updates, your carrier/region likely restricts it. In that case, your best option is to reduce notifications from any non-mandatory apps and make sure your phone’s general notification categories are tuned the way you want.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Emergency Alerts vs. Other Warnings (AMBER, Public Safety, Extreme Weather)
Samsung may label these as Emergency Alerts categories, but the behavior can differ. AMBER-style messages, public safety, and extreme weather warnings can have different priority levels. Your ability to disable them depends on which categories are allowed to be muted in your area.
Best Value
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Practical approach: disable the categories that cause annoyance (like certain weather warnings) and leave enabled the ones you consider critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I completely turn off Emergency Alerts on my Samsung phone?
Often you can turn off some or all Emergency Alerts categories, but not always. Mandatory alert types may stay enabled or the toggles may be greyed out based on your region and carrier rules.
Why do I still get alerts even after switching Emergency Alerts off?
Common causes are: you turned off only the master toggle while a category stayed enabled, your carrier requires certain alert classes, or the notification isn’t actually WEA (it’s coming from an app). Check the notification source name and re-verify the Emergency Alerts categories.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Where is the Emergency Alerts setting in One UI 6.x?
It’s usually in Settings → Notifications → Emergency alerts. If you don’t see it, use Settings search and type emergency alerts.
Will turning off Emergency Alerts affect my ability to get local weather warnings?
It depends. WEA-style weather alerts may be disabled if they’re part of Emergency Alerts categories. Regular weather notifications from apps (Samsung Weather or third-party apps) are controlled separately by app notification settings.
Does switching Do Not Disturb stop Emergency Alerts?
Not reliably. Many Emergency Alerts are designed to override Do Not Disturb because they’re safety-critical. That’s why you should manage them through the Emergency Alerts toggle itself.
Bottom Line
To turn off Emergency Alerts on Samsung, go to Settings → Notifications → Emergency alerts and disable the master switch and any category toggles you don’t want. If options are greyed out, your carrier or region is likely enforcing mandatory alert behavior.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIf the alerts still arrive, verify the notification source in the notification details, disable the correct app notification channel if needed, and update your phone to the latest One UI build.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
