Google’s Earthquake Alert System Now Live Across India
India joins global network of countries equipped with Google's Android-based early earthquake warning system.
Android Users in India Will Now Receive Earthquake Alerts Before Tremors Hit
Millions of Android smartphone users across India will now receive timely earthquake alerts, as Google has officially launched its Earthquake Alert System in the country. This system uses crowdsourced data from Android devices to detect and notify users in affected areas seconds before shaking begins, helping them to take cover and stay safe.
Launched globally in 2020, and previously available in over 90 countries, this free, built-in Android feature alerts users through a pop-up notification, similar to an emergency message. The system doesn't require installing a new app – it works automatically on Android phones that have location services and Wi-Fi or cellular data enabled.
Google announced the rollout in India on July 18, 2025, after months of testing and collaboration with seismic experts, ensuring that Indian users across earthquake-prone areas benefit from the added layer of safety.
How the System Works: Turning Android Phones into Mini-Seismometers
At the core of this system is a unique, decentralized model that uses a smartphone’s built-in accelerometer to detect ground shaking.
When a phone detects possible earthquake tremors and is plugged in and stationary (usually during the night), it sends a signal to Google earthquake detection servers. If several phones in the same location detect agitation simultaneously, the system uses that data to triangular the epicenter and the magnitude of the earthquake. According to these calculations, you can send real time alerts near the epicenter, before secondary waves (the most harmful) arrive.
This approach makes use of millions of Android devices acting like a large-scale, low-cost sensor network, especially useful in countries like India where traditional earthquake detection infrastructure is limited.
Localized, Multi-Language Support for Indian Users
The Android Earthquake Alert System has been customized for Indian users to ensure maximum reach and understanding.
The alerts are presented in easy-to-understand language and include visual cues, all available in multiple regional Indian languages. This is essential in a country as linguistically diverse as India, ensuring both awareness and prompt action when an earthquake alert is received.
Google has also made provisions for accessibility, ensuring the alerts are compatible with digital voice assistants and can be relayed via vibrations and flashes for those with sight or hearing impairments.
Wear OS Integration and Real-Time Improvements
In addition to smartphones, Google plans to expand the alerts to Wear OS smartwatches, giving users another touchpoint to receive notifications even if their phone is not immediately available. This is part of Google’s broader strategy to make the alerts system more effective and accessible across devices.
Google's earthquake detection algorithms are also continuously evolving. After gathering data from major earthquakes like the 2023 Turkey-Syria quake, the system has improved its ability to pinpoint quake locations more quickly, issue alerts faster, and reduce false warnings.
A Boost to Disaster Preparedness in India
India falls within several seismically active zones, making earthquake preparedness critical for the safety of its densely populated regions. While the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is responsible for monitoring earthquakes, early warning systems have traditionally lagged.
Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System complements the government’s efforts and enhances public safety. By offering vital few seconds of early warning, it enables people to duck, cover, and hold, potentially saving lives and minimizing injuries.
With the system now live across the country, India joins nations like the U.S., Japan, and Indonesia in using technology and crowdsourced sensing to respond to earthquakes faster and more effectively.