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Samsung Galaxy phones do not require a separate Wireless Emergency Alerts app: in the U.S., the feature is built into Settings. On most current devices, open Settings > Safety and emergency > Wireless emergency alerts to enable alerts and review their options. Menu names and alert categories can vary by model, software version, and carrier.
Where to find Wireless Emergency Alerts
Start with Settings > Safety and emergency > Wireless emergency alerts, the route Samsung documents for Galaxy emergency settings. If that menu is not present, search Settings for emergency alerts. On some software layouts, the controls are under Settings > Notifications > Advanced settings > Wireless emergency alerts. Samsung lists Wireless emergency alerts among Advanced notification settings as well. Samsung Support: emergency settings · Samsung Support: notification controls · Samsung Support: sounds, vibrations, and notifications
Turn alerts on and choose preferences
- Open Settings and go to Safety and emergency > Wireless emergency alerts, or use the alternate Notifications path if that is where your phone shows the setting.
- Make sure Allow alerts is on. Samsung notes that it may already be enabled.
- Review the switches and preferences displayed on your phone. Depending on the device and carrier, these may include alert categories, vibration, alert reminders, and spoken alert messages.
- Open Emergency alert history to review past alerts, if the option appears on your device.
Samsung describes alerts for Extreme and Severe threats, AMBER alerts, and Test alerts. Its notification guide also lists National alerts, Public safety messages, and Emergency alert history. Your Galaxy may use a different selection or label; some carriers label test alerts as State and local tests. Samsung says National alerts cannot be turned off in the notification settings guide.
What to check if an alert does not arrive
A missing alert does not by itself identify the cause. Samsung lists several possible reasons an alert may not appear, including poor cellular reception, Airplane mode, alerts being turned off, and the phone connecting to a cell site that is not broadcasting the alert, is under maintenance, or is out of service. Some devices may also fail to display an alert during a call; behavior varies by make and model. Samsung Support’s notification troubleshooting guidance
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
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Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
- Check that Allow alerts is enabled and review the category switches shown.
- Check that Airplane mode is off and that the phone has cellular reception.
- Search Settings for emergency alerts if the documented menu path does not match your phone.
- Look in Emergency alert history for the alert, if that control is available.
- If the setting is missing or the problem continues, contact your carrier or Samsung Support.
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