Google’s earthquake alerts may soon be shareable

If your phone starts shaking, it could soon alert you and others, even those with iPhones. Recent findings suggest that Google is developing a feature that allows users to share Android’s earthquake alerts with anyone.

Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System isn’t exactly new, as it first launched in 2020 as part of Android’s safety initiative. The feature turns your smartphone into a mini seismometer by using its accelerometer to detect vibrations. When several phones in the same area sense similar movements, the data is sent anonymously to Google’s servers, where it’s analyzed to confirm if an earthquake is happening. If it is, Google sends alerts to nearby users, often seconds before the stronger waves hit.

Right now, the alert system sends out two kinds of warnings. A “Be Aware” alert shows up for smaller earthquakes or ones that probably won’t cause damage. A “Take Action” alert appears when stronger shaking is detected. This second alert includes a loud alarm and safety tips like Drop, Cover, and Hold. Google works with groups like the US Geological Survey and ShakeAlert to make sure the alerts are accurate and reliable. Privacy is important too, so your location data is kept anonymous and never linked to you personally.

A new ‘Share Alert’ button could help warn others faster

A recent teardown of Google Play Services version 25.40.30, courtesy of Android Authority, suggests Google is adding a ‘Share Alert’ option to Android’s Earthquake Alerts. If you receive a warning, you may soon be able to share it immediately through messaging apps or social media, using a pre-filled message and the hashtag #AndroidEarthquakeAlerts. This feature could help Android users quickly warn friends and family, giving them a few extra seconds to respond.

We don’t know yet when this feature will be available, since APK teardowns only show what’s being tested. If it does launch, it could be a useful upgrade to one of Android’s best safety tools. In places where official warnings are slow or limited, sharing alerts across different platforms could really help.

For now, Android users can make sure their earthquake alerts are turned on by heading to Settings → Safety & Emergency → Earthquake Alerts and ensuring Google Play Services are updated.