Lyra Martin Tech 07.23.2022 05:Jul AM EDT

Apple Introduces 'Test Alerts' Switch to iPhone if You Want to Test Emergency Alerts | Here's How to Do It

Apple included a "Test Alerts" option in iOS 15.6 and iOS 16 beta 3's Settings, a feature that is only available on iPhones tied to US carriers.

Apple's New Toggle for Test Emergency Notifications

In iOS 15.6 and the third beta of iOS 16, Apple has included a new "Test Alerts" option in the Settings application. Users may enable test emergency notifications from the US government via the option, which is only displayed on iPhones linked to a US carrier.

Go to Settings > Notifications > Government Alerts to access the new toggle. This only applies to iOS 15.6 and later, including the third developer beta of iOS 16.

The public beta of iOS 16 also has a new switch. The toggles and settings for AMBER Alerts, emergency alerts, and public safety alerts are all located in the exact location.

In earlier iterations of iOS, test alerts might be enabled by downloading a particular profile from Apple or entering a code in the Phone app. Simply put, the toggle offers consumers a more straightforward option to receive text notifications.

Since years ago, changes to how iOS handles emergency notifications have sometimes frustrated iPhone owners in the US. In the first period following the feature's debut, there was no option to opt-out. The loud boom from your iPhone may rouse the dead if authorities issue an AMBER Alert close to you.

How to Deactivate Test Alerts if you are not Using iOs 15.6

You may deactivate test alerts if you're not using iOS 15.6 or later through this particular sequence of Phone app numbers:

Turn on test alerts:

Open the Phone app and press Keypad.
Enter *5005*25371#, then tap the Call button. You will receive a "Test Alerts Enabled" notification after.

To turn test alerts off:

Unlock the Phone app, then click Keypad.
Type *5005*25370# and press Call. After, you will be notified of "Test Alerts Off."

You may determine whether your iPhone's Silent Mode button affects emergency notifications. If the toggle is on, the alarm will sound even if everything else is off.

Apple's Recent iOS, watchOS, and macOS Upgrades are More Critical Than They Appear

Apple provided OS upgrades for all its devices this week, possibly the last until September. They look tiny, with few new features, but you shouldn't delay upgrading.

iOS 15.6, iPadOS 15.6, macOS 12.5 Monterey, watchOS 8.7, and tvOS 15.6 are updated. Security is the fundamental justification for a rapid upgrade. This round includes dozens of improvements which include the following:

37 changes to iOS 15.6 and iPadOS 15.6
50 changes in Monterey 12.5 of macOS
26 updates for watchOS 8.7
27 updates for tvOS 15.6
Big Sur 11.6.8 for macOS: 29 updates
36 changes to Security Update 2022-005 Catalina

Many modifications are shared across systems, but each upgrade has unique characteristics. Even Safari got three patches. You can view all of them on Apple's support website.

The security patches encompass the entire system, from the Apple File System to iCloud Photo Library, the Neural Engine, GPU drivers, and WebKit. Several of these might enable root privileges or arbitrary code exaction, which is as severe as it gets.