Google announced on October 15, 2026, that Android Earthquake Alerts had expanded from 98 to more than 200 countries and regions, naming Panama and Guatemala as examples. Google also reported that the system had sent more than 1 billion alerts since its launch. Google’s announcement
For U.S. readers, Google separately says it distributes alerts from ShakeAlert in California, Oregon, and Washington. That is a specific three-state arrangement, distinct from the phone-based detection system described for other locations.
Countries and regions named in coverage reports
Google named Panama and Guatemala in its announcement. Dutch technology publication Bright reports that Android earthquake alerts are available in the Netherlands, and Italian publications XiaomiToday and TechPrincess report that Italy is included.
How Android detects possible earthquakes
Outside California, Oregon, and Washington, Google describes a network of Android phones that uses accelerometers to detect the first seismic waves. A phone that detects possible shaking sends a signal and a coarse location to Google’s server, which combines signals from multiple phones to assess the event and estimate its location and magnitude. Google Research explains that the system aims to alert people before slower, more damaging waves reach them. It detects an earthquake after it begins; it does not predict one, and warning time depends on the event and the recipient’s location. Google Research’s explanation of the system
What your phone needs—and what the alerts mean
Google says users need Wi-Fi or cellular data, Android Earthquake Alerts turned on, and location settings enabled. Its technical guidance says alerts are sent for earthquakes of magnitude 4.5 or greater. The alert level depends on the shaking expected at a person’s location, measured using the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) scale, which describes shaking experienced in a particular place.
- Be Aware is for expected MMI 3–4 shaking. It follows the phone’s volume, Do Not Disturb, and notification settings.
- Be Ready is for expected MMI 4 shaking during a significant earthquake. It may override Do Not Disturb.
- Take Action is for expected MMI 5 or stronger shaking during an earthquake of magnitude 4.5 or greater. It can turn on the screen, play a loud sound, and display a full-screen alert. It overrides Do Not Disturb.
Google says ShakeAlert uses 1,675 seismic sensors and supplies the Android alerts distributed in California, Oregon, and Washington. Google’s technical guidance on Android earthquake warnings
Google’s announced plans for Be Ready
In its October 15 announcement, Google said it planned to add an affected-area map, estimated magnitude, recommended safety actions, and an information button to Be Ready in the months after the announcement.
