Where to find the Amber Alert setting on your device
Amber Alerts are emergency notifications about missing children. On most phones, you control them through the same settings menu where you manage other emergency alerts — not through your regular notification settings. The exact path depends on whether you use an iPhone or Android.
On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Notifications, then scroll to the very bottom and tap Government Alerts. You will see three toggles: AMBER Alerts, Emergency Alerts, and Public Safety Alerts. Turn off the AMBER Alerts toggle. Emergency Alerts and Public Safety Alerts are separate — you can disable those too, but many people keep those on because they cover when ready threats like tornadoes or active shooters in your area.
On Android, the path varies by manufacturer. On most devices, go to Settings, then Apps & Notifications (or just Notifications), then Advanced, then Emergency Alerts. Look for AMBER Alerts and toggle it off. On Samsung phones specifically, go to Settings, then Notifications, then Advanced Settings, then Emergency Alerts. If you cannot find it, search your settings for "emergency alerts" — Android's search function will take you directly there.
Key Takeaways
- Amber Alerts live in Government Alerts or Emergency Alerts settings, not in your regular notification controls.
- On iPhone, disable them under Settings > Notifications > Government Alerts > AMBER Alerts.
- On Android, the path is usually Settings > Apps & Notifications > Advanced > Emergency Alerts, though Samsung phones use a different menu.
- You can disable Amber Alerts while keeping other emergency alerts like tornado warnings or public safety notifications active.
- Disabling Amber Alerts does not affect other missing-child notifications from apps like Silver Alert systems or local police departments.
Why Amber Alerts are separate from regular notifications
Amber Alerts bypass your normal notification settings because they are classified as emergency broadcasts, not regular messages. Your phone treats them the same way it treats tornado warnings or tsunami alerts — they override your Do Not Disturb setting and use a loud, distinctive sound. This is intentional: the system assumes that if a child is missing, the alert is important enough to interrupt you regardless of your phone's current state.
Because of this special status, you cannot silence them through your regular notification panel. You have to go into the emergency alert settings specifically. This also means that if you have Do Not Disturb turned on, an Amber Alert will still come through at full volume.
What happens when you disable Amber Alerts
When you turn off Amber Alerts, your phone will no longer receive those specific emergency broadcasts. You will not see the notification, hear the sound, or feel the vibration. This applies only to official Amber Alerts issued through your carrier and the Wireless Emergency Alerts system — it does not affect other ways you might hear about missing children.
Local police departments, news apps, and services like Silver Alerts (which cover missing seniors and people with cognitive disabilities) send notifications through regular channels. Those will still reach you if you have those apps installed or notifications enabled for them. Disabling Amber Alerts only stops the government emergency broadcast system from sending them.
The difference between Amber Alerts and other emergency broadcasts
Your phone can receive four types of government emergency alerts: Presidential Alerts (which cannot be disabled), Imminent Threat Alerts (when ready danger like an active shooter), AMBER Alerts (missing children), and Public Safety Alerts (other emergencies). Each one has its own toggle in the Government Alerts menu.
Many people disable Amber Alerts but keep Imminent Threat Alerts and Public Safety Alerts on, because those cover situations that affect your when ready safety — severe weather, hazardous materials releases, or civil emergencies. You can mix and match. There is no requirement to keep all of them on or turn all of them off together.
If you change your mind later
Turning Amber Alerts back on is the same process in reverse. Go back to the Government Alerts or Emergency Alerts menu and toggle AMBER Alerts back on. Your phone will resume receiving them when ready. There is no waiting period or re-registration required.
If you want to receive Amber Alerts again but only for your state or region, that option does not exist in the standard system — the alerts come from your wireless carrier and cover your current location. You cannot filter them by geography through your phone settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling Amber Alerts affect 911 calls or emergency services?
No. Disabling Amber Alerts does not change how your phone handles 911 calls, location services, or emergency contacts. It only stops you from receiving the specific broadcast notification about missing children. Emergency services can still reach you through regular calls and texts.
Can I disable Amber Alerts on some devices but not others?
Yes. Each device has its own settings. If you have an iPhone and an iPad, you can disable Amber Alerts on one and leave them on the other. The same applies if you have multiple Android phones. The setting does not sync across devices.
What if I want to receive Amber Alerts only during certain hours?
The standard emergency alert system does not have a scheduling feature. You can either have Amber Alerts on or off — there is no way to receive them only during daytime or only on weekdays. Your only option is to manually toggle the setting on and off as needed.
Do I need to do anything after disabling Amber Alerts?
No. Once you toggle off AMBER Alerts in your settings, the change takes effect when ready. You do not need to restart your phone, confirm the change, or contact your carrier. The setting stays in place until you change it again.