How can you get earthquake warnings on your smartphone? A detailed news analysis of alert systems and safety apps used worldwide.
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| Learn how smartphone-based systems like Google Alerts, MyShake, and My Earthquake Alerts provide rapid earthquake warnings. Image: CH |
Tech Desk — November 21, 2025
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake that shook Dhaka and several other regions of Bangladesh on Friday morning has once again highlighted a critical gap in the country’s disaster-preparedness infrastructure: while Bangladesh has effective systems for cyclone and flood alerts, it still lacks a true early warning system for earthquakes. With the epicenter located in Madhavadi, Narsingdi, the tremor served as a reminder of the seismic vulnerability of the region and the growing reliance on smartphone technology to fill the warning gap.
Although earthquakes cannot be predicted, rapid detection technology now allows millions of people worldwide to receive alerts within seconds of initial ground movement. Several smartphone-based solutions have emerged globally, giving citizens access to life-saving warnings even in countries without national early warning networks.
One of the most widely used tools is Google’s Android Earthquake Alert System, launched in 2020. This system uses the small accelerometer built into every Android phone to sense ground shaking. When many phones in a particular area detect similar vibration patterns, Google’s servers analyze the data to determine whether an earthquake has occurred. If the system confirms seismic activity, it instantly sends alerts to nearby Android users. These warnings often include information on the earthquake’s magnitude, epicenter, and instructions for staying safe. To activate the feature, users can go to the Safety and Emergency section in their phone settings and enable Earthquake Alerts.
Another major application, used by more than 10 million people worldwide, is My Earthquake Alerts. It functions primarily as a global earthquake monitoring platform, providing real-time data and customizable notifications. Its simplicity and reliability have made it a popular choice for individuals who want quick access to seismic information, regardless of where the quake occurs.
A more research-focused solution is the MyShake app, developed by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley. MyShake not only sends alerts but also gathers motion data from users’ smartphones. This crowdsourced information helps improve earthquake early warning systems, turning everyday citizens into participants in scientific data collection. About one million users currently rely on MyShake for seismic alerts and contribute to its global sensor network.
Friday’s earthquake has intensified interest in these technologies in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka, where dense urban development increases the potential risk from seismic events. While no smartphone app can fully replace a robust national warning system, these tools represent an increasingly valuable layer of protection in earthquake-prone regions.
As smartphone technology continues to evolve, it is clear that mobile-based detection and alert networks are becoming essential components of global disaster preparedness. For countries like Bangladesh, where seconds can determine survival during an earthquake, adopting smartphone alert systems may be one of the most practical steps available today.