Knowledge Base

In natural disasters, especially in sudden events like earthquakes, even a few seconds of early warning can be vital. For Android operating system devices, earthquake early warning systems are available that work with both local (Google-based) and third-party applications. In this guide, we explain step by step how to activate the warning system for devices of different brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, how to use special applications, and how to make the necessary settings.

1. Google Earthquake Alert System (Android Built-in Feature)

Google has integrated the earthquake detection feature into the system in some countries with Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and later versions.

Activation Steps (Pixel, Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.):

1. Go to Settings > Security and Emergency

2. Find the Earthquake Alerts option

3. Turn it on if it is not active

On some devices, the path may be: Settings > Location > Advanced > Earthquake Alerts

How Does the Feature Work?

• The device's accelerometer sensor detects the tremor

• Data is sent anonymously to Google servers

• If similar signals are received from other devices in the region, the system issues a warning

Supported Countries:

• Turkey, USA, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand and some European countries (as of 2024)

2. AFAD Emergency Mobile Application (Official Application for Turkey)

This application, offered by the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), includes warnings for all types of disasters, not just earthquakes, such as floods and fires.

Installation and Settings:

1. Download the "AFAD Acil" application from the Google Play Store

2. Grant location access and notification permissions on the first launch

3. Allow priority notifications from notification settings

⚠️ Be sure to allow it to run in the background and make sure it is not turned off in "battery saver" mode

3. Earthquake Network App (Global Use – Real-Time Alert)

This application provides earthquake warnings independently of central systems by using sensors on devices.

Usage:

1. Download the "Earthquake Network" application from the Google Play Store

2. The free version is sufficient, but the PRO version offers instant voice alerts

3. Turn on region-specific notifications

Features:

• Vibration, audible alarm or screen notification in case of an earthquake

• Instant report submission by users

• Post-disaster family tracking feature

4. Regional Applications Such As ShakeAlertLA, MyShake, LastQuake

5. Notification and Battery Settings (Critical for All Devices)

If early warning systems do not work, it is usually due to the following reasons:

⚙️ Application Notification Settings:

• Settings > Notifications > Select Application > "Allow" must be on

⚡ Disable Battery Optimization:

• Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization > Select Application > "Don't Optimize" should be off

Background Permissions:

• Settings > Applications > Advanced > Allow running in the background

6. Receiving Alerts via Cell Broadcast

In Android systems, the "Cell Broadcast" system is used for situations such as earthquakes/floods in some countries.

To Activate:

1. Enter Phone > Dial pad and type *#*#4636#*#* (works on some devices)

2. Open the menu such as "Cell Broadcast Settings" or "CB Messages"

3. Check disaster codes such as channel 4370/4380

Note: This system is not active in Turkey, but some devices may provide support

✅ Conclusion

Early warning can save lives in sudden disasters such as earthquakes. You need to configure your Android device not only with applications, but also with system settings and sensor-supported infrastructures. Using Google's integrated system, the AFAD application, and options such as Earthquake Network together provides maximum benefit.