NL-Alert

On the first Monday of June and December, the government sends out an NL-Alert test message around noon.  

How do I know that it is a test message and not an emergency?

The message states that it is a test message.

Why did I receive multiple test messages?

There are several reasons why you may be receiving NL-Alert test messages more frequently. If you do not dismiss the NL-Alert test message notification properly, the NL-Alert may reappear until it is marked as 'read'. Android phones may also have a repeat function set up for this type of message. This causes the NL-Alert to reappear.

You may also have a dual SIM card phone. Or an older mobile phone that can receive NL-Alert on two channels. An NL-Alert is broadcast via two different channels: one channel for older mobile phones and one for newer phones. Some older mobile phones receive both channels. As a result, these phones receive the NL-Alert twice.

I did not receive an NL-Alert test message. Why is that?

NL-Alert works differently from an email or text message, which you always receive, even if your phone is turned off. To receive an NL-Alert, your phone must be turned on and connected to a Dutch mobile network. If you miss an NL-Alert, it will not be displayed on your phone again later.

There may be several reasons why you did not receive an NL-Alert test message:

  • You used airplane mode on your phone or the device was turned off.
  • You temporarily had no reception.
  • You were close to the border and your phone was connected to a German provider.
  • You have an older (2G or 3G) phone that you need to set up yourself.
  • Your phone was imported from abroad. This means that the phone is equipped with software that does not always work properly for the European markt.

Watchthis video for more information.

I received the test message after 12:00 noon. How is that possible?

In general, an NL-Alert is broadcast for one hour. It is possible that your phone will not receive the NL-Alert test message at the announced time, but only later in that hour. There are several reasons for this.

  • You used airplane mode on your phone or the device was turned off at the announced time.
  • You temporarily had no reception at the announced time.
  • You were in the border region and your phone was temporarily connected to a German cell tower.

My cell phone gives different warning signals/sounds for test messages than for regular messages. Why is that?

NL-Alert is an emergency alert system. When you receive an NL-Alert on your mobile phone, you will hear a piercing alarm sound. This immediately makes it clear that something more serious is happening than would be conveyed by a text message, WhatsApp message, or email. If you receive an NL-Alert, read the message immediately, follow the instructions, and inform others. Please note: the NL-Alert test message may sound loud if you are using headphones or earbuds.

I haven't set up my cell phone for NL-Alert, but I still received a test message. How is that possible?

NL-Alert is set up on your cell phone by default. You don't need to do anything.

I do not want to receive test messages. How can I unsubscribe from NL-Alert test messages?

If you do not want to receive test messages, you can disable this feature on your mobile phone. Please note: if you do so, you will also not receive NL-Alert messages in the event of an emergency in your area. On the page'your mobile phone', you can read how to disable NL-Alert on your mobile phone.