But if your phone stayed silent, authorities say there is no need to panic.
The test comes ahead of the national roll-out of AusAlert in October which will deliver warnings during emergencies, including natural disasters and public health and security threats.
The new emergency warning system only works on compatible devices which generally includes iPhone 11 and newer models, Android devices that are Android 12 or later and some Apple watches and tablets.
The National Emergency Management Agency said the test was broadcast from 94 per cent of targeted cell towers across the country, exceeding its target.
However, not every device received the alert.
Older phones, devices without recent software updates, phones that were out of coverage, switched off or in aeroplane mode may not have received the test message.
Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain told reporters AusAlert was only one part of the country’s emergency warning system and people should not panic if they did not receive the test message.
“It is not the only thing that we do in an emergency,” Ms McBain said.
“This is just another tool that we have for emergency agencies to use in times of natural disaster or police incidents where we might want to get messages out quickly.”
Authorities will continue to use existing warning channels such as websites, radio, social media, television and community outreach, in addition to the AusAlert system.
Australians are being encouraged to provide feedback through the AusAlert website.
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