Android phones can warn you before an earthquake: 5 things to know

Your Android Phone Can Detect Earthquakes
Most Android phones come with built-in earthquake detection called Android Earthquake Alert. It uses your phone’s sensors to pick up unusual shaking. If an earthquake is detected, your phone sends you a quick warning, giving you a few seconds or even minutes to get to a safer spot.

It Uses Your Phone’s Motion Sensors
Your phone’s accelerometer can tell if it’s being shaken. Google’s system filters out everyday vibrations like passing trucks and focuses on earthquake-like movements. It works by checking if lots of phones in the same area feel the same thing at the same time.

It Sends Two Types of Alerts
There are two alerts: “Be Aware” for people farther away and “Take Action” for those closer to the epicenter. The urgent one takes over your phone’s screen, ignoring silent mode, and plays a loud alarm, warning you to drop, cover, and hold on before strong shaking starts.

It Has Helped Millions Worldwide
Since launch, the system has sent over 1,200 alerts in nearly 100 countries. People have received warnings seconds or minutes before the earthquake, helping them react faster. It’s been especially useful in big earthquakes, like those in Türkiye and the Philippines.

False Alarms Are Rare
Out of over 1,300 events, only three false alarms happened, caused by things like thunderstorms. Google has been improving the system, making it more accurate, faster, and accessible to over 2.5 billion people — all with the phone you already have in your pocket.