Android Earthquake Alerts Are Expanding to Over 200 Regions

Google announced yesterday that it’s expanding Android earthquake alerts to more than 200 regions worldwide. The company is also improving its “Be Ready” alert with more details that can make a difference during an emergency.

Google launched Android earthquake alerts back in 2021, and the system has already sent over 1 billion alerts in 98 countries and regions since launch. Early warnings are now available in most countries worldwide, and they can alert Android users before shaking starts.

In some US states, including California, Washington, and Oregon, Android earthquake alerts leverage data from ShakeAlert, which uses a network of 1675 seismic sensors to detect earthquake shaking. In other regions, the system uses crowdsourced data from accelerometers in Android smartphones to detect unusual vibrations that may happen before an earthquake.

As of today, Android users can receive 3 types of earthquake alerts: “Be Aware” when light shaking has been detected, “Be Ready” when users should prepare for stronger shaking, and full-screen “Take Action” alerts for moderate to heavy shaking.

In the coming months, Google said that it will improve its intermediary “Be Ready” alerts with map data, estimated earthquake magnitude, and more helpful guidance. “Our physical safety products are deeply important to us,” the company said yesterday. “While we hope they never get used, we’re grateful to be able to bring more information to more people when they need it most.”