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Android guide

How to receive earthquake alerts on Android

Android users have several alert options. The right one depends on whether you need local early warning or notifications for a custom region.

Published July 11, 2026 · Check local availability before relying on any alert system

Option 1: Check Android's built-in earthquake alerts

Google's Android Earthquake Alerts System can warn users in supported regions about nearby earthquakes. Depending on your device, Android version and region, you may find the setting under Settings → Safety & emergency → Earthquake alerts. Settings names vary by manufacturer.

The phone must have the required connectivity and location-related settings enabled. Availability and behavior vary by country, so use Google's current support page to confirm coverage for your device and location.

Built-in Android warnings and USGS catalog notifications are not interchangeable. A warning may arrive before shaking in some locations; a catalog notification is sent after the event is reported.

Option 2: Use the USGS Earthquake Notification Service

The USGS Earthquake Notification Service (ENS) lets users create accounts and receive automated earthquake information for selected areas and criteria. It is a notification service, not ShakeAlert early warning. Delivery options and current service instructions are maintained by USGS.

Option 3: Monitor a custom area with SeismoWatch

SeismoWatch is designed for monitoring a region you care about, even when you are somewhere else. Choose an area and minimum magnitude; after a matching earthquake is published in the USGS feed, SeismoWatch sends it to the Android app through a persistent connection.

This can be useful for following family abroad, a travel destination, a remote property or a seismically active region. It does not replace Android's built-in warnings, local emergency alerts or official safety instructions.

Recommended setup

  1. Keep official government emergency alerts enabled.
  2. Check whether Android earthquake alerts are supported and switched on for your device.
  3. Use a custom notification service only for additional monitoring needs.
  4. Allow notifications and exempt the chosen app from overly aggressive battery restrictions if alerts are delayed.
  5. Test notification permissions before depending on the setup.

Sources and further reading

See the conceptual difference in earthquake notification vs early warning, or check the latest earthquakes worldwide.