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Emergency Alerts

Learn what Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are and how they can help you.

WIRELESS EMERGENCY ALERTS (WEA) INFO

  • In 2006, Congress passed the Warning, Alert and Response Network Act, which allows wireless carriers to broadcast emergency alerts to their customers on a voluntary basis. That way, no matter which wireless carrier you’re on, everyone receives the same critical information regarding disasters or other emergencies.
  • Read more about how Wireless Emergency Alerts work.
    • https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-emergency-alerts-wea
  • There is no charge for WEA and they do not impact voice, messaging or data usage.
  • WEA are enabled throughout UScellular’s coverage area and are broadcast to the affected areas. You may receive a WEA when roaming on another carrier's network that supports WEA within the 50 states. We cannot guarantee service on another carrier's network.
  • Unlike programs that are based on customer-selected zip codes, area codes or other designated filters, WEA are broadcast to all compatible devices within the affected area.
  • No. Neither subscriber information nor GPS is used to broadcast the alerts. Alerts are sent to WEA-capable wireless devices in the affected geographical area.
  • You may change settings within your device to opt out of Imminent Threats, AMBER/ BLUE Alerts, and Public Safety Alerts, but you may not opt out of National Alerts. Refer to your device manufacturer's website for the full user guide containing operating instructions and information.
  • UScellular participates in Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) performance and public awareness tests conducted by authorized alert originators within our licensed markets. FCC rules permit these entities to conduct up to two such tests annually. To initiate and arrange coordination with UScellular, please follow these steps:

    1. Email Request: Send an email to WEArequests@uscellular.com. Include the following information in your email:
    • Your name;
    • The entity you represent;
    • The county, geographical area, or jurisdiction in-scope for the test;
    • The planned date and time of the test; and
    • The exact message that will be sent for the test.
    • Use the following convention for the email’s subject: WEA Test Request - [originator entity name]

    2. Confirmation: UScellular will respond to confirm receipt of your request.

    By following these steps, authorized alert originators can ensure proper coordination with UScellular for WEA testing.
  • UScellular will participate in a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) performance and public awareness test conducted by authorized alert originators within our licensed markets, provided that the entity conducting the test:

    1. Notifies the public in advance that live event codes will be used and no actual emergency is occurring;
    2. Includes a statement in the test message, if technically feasible, indicating that the event is only a test;
    3. Coordinates the test with participating carriers, state and local emergency authorities, the relevant State Emergency Communications Committees, and first responder organizations (e.g., PSAPs, police, and fire agencies); and
    4. Provides the public notification in widely accessible formats, clearly stating that the test is only a test and not a real emergency warning.

    UScellular also encourages authorized alert originators to notify domestic violence resources within the test area so these entities can inform their constituencies in advance.
  • Disaster can strike at any time, which is why UScellular wants to provide its customers with helpful emergency preparedness tips. Learn how to help keep you and your loved ones safe, connected and informed in the event of an emergency with the tips below.

    View tips for emergency preparedness (English)
    View tips for emergency preparedness (Spanish)

Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) Capable Phones

ANS

  • ANS F30

Apple

  • iPhone 16e
  • iPhone 16
  • iPhone 16 Plus
  • iPhone 16 Pro
  • iPhone 16 Pro Max
  • iPhone 15
  • iPhone 15 Plus
  • iPhone 15 Pro
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max
  • iPhone 14
  • iPhone 14 Plus
  • iPhone 14 Pro
  • iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • iPhone 13
  • iPhone SE (3rd gen)
  • iPhone SE

Google

  • Pixel 9a
  • Pixel 9
  • Pixel 9 Pro
  • Pixel 9 Pro XL
  • Pixel 9 Pro Fold
  • Pixel 8
  • Pixel 8 Pro
  • Pixel 8a
  • Pixel 7as

Hot Pepper

  • Hot Pepper Chilaca Plus
  • Hot Pepper Fresno

Kyocera

  • DuraSport 5G
  • Dura XA Equip

Motorola

  • Moto g power - 2025
  • Moto g - 2025
  • Moto g Stylus 5G - 2024
  • Moto g 5G - 2024
  • Moto g Play - 2024
  • Moto g Power - 2024
  • Moto Razr - 2024
  • Motorola Razr -2023
  • Moto G Stylus 5G - 2023
  • Motorola Edge
  • Moto g Play - 2023
  • Moto g 5G - 2023

Samsung

  • Galaxy A14 5G
  • Galaxy A15 5G
  • Galaxy A16 5G
  • Galaxy A25 5G
  • Galaxy A26 5G
  • Galaxy A35 5G
  • Galaxy A36 5G
  • Galaxy A54 5G
  • Galaxy S23
  • Galaxy S23+
  • Galaxy S23 Ultra
  • Galaxy S24
  • Galaxy S24 FE
  • Galaxy S24+
  • Galaxy S24 Ultra
  • Galaxy S25
  • Galaxy S25+
  • Galaxy S25 Ultra
  • Galaxy Z Flip 5
  • Galaxy Z Fold 5
  • Galaxy Z Flip 6
  • Galaxy Z Fold 6

TCL

  • TCL 40 XE 5G
  • TCL ION Z
  • TCL Flip Go
  • TCL Flip Plus

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