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Do I need to update my phone to receive Emergency Alerts?
FAQ - Emergency Alerts - Q&A-18
Summary
Yes, if it does not have the latest software. Most newer phones (from 2015 onwards) can receive the messages if they have the latest software update. Phones over 6 years old are likely to require some changes to the settings by the user as has been the experience in other countries. Older models of Apple (before iPhone 6S) that do not support iOS 14 and older models of Android (generally older than Android 9 / Pie) will not be able to receive Emergency Alerts.