AMBER Alerts are powerful tools to help locate missing children by sending urgent alerts to phones and smartwatches. While their purpose is critical, the loud, sudden alarms can feel disruptive during sleep, work, or quiet moments. If you’ve ever wondered how to disable AMBER Alerts on your iPhone or Apple Watch, this guide will walk you through simple steps to customize your notifications.
What Are AMBER Alerts?

AMBER Alerts are emergency messages sent by authorities when a child is missing. These alerts include loud alarms to grab attention, even if your device is on silent. However, they may not always be relevant—like receiving alerts for locations far from you. For many, this makes the alerts feel more like interruptions than helpful warnings.
✅Key Point: Turning off AMBER Alerts doesn’t mean you ignore emergencies. It’s about choosing how and when your device alerts you.
Step-by-Step Guide: Disabling Alerts on iPhone
Follow these easy steps to disable AMBER Alerts on your iPhone (this also applies to your Apple Watch):
- Open Settings: Tap the gear-shaped Settings app.
- Select Notifications: Scroll to “Notifications” and tap it.
- Find Government Alerts: Go to the bottom and look for “Government Alerts.”
- Toggle Off AMBER Alerts: Switch the button next to “AMBER Alerts” from green (on) to grey (off).
Check Guide – How to Enable FileVault in Mac and Protect Your Data
⚠️Important: This change syncs automatically with your Apple Watch—no extra steps needed!
Why Disable AMBER Alerts?
- Reduce Disruption: Avoid startling alarms during sleep or meetings.
- Relevance Issues: Alerts may cover areas far from your location.
- Easy to Re-enable: You can turn alerts back on at any time using the same steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this affect my Apple Watch?
Yes! Disabling alerts on your iPhone stops them on your Apple Watch too.
Can I turn alerts back on later?
Absolutely. Just toggle the setting to green again.
Final Words
Customizing alerts puts you in charge of your device experience. Whether you disable AMBER Alerts temporarily or permanently, you’re making a choice that fits your lifestyle—and that’s okay!
Discover more from Apple HowTo Tips
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.