If your Consumer Cellular phone keeps buzzing with sudden loud alerts, you’re not alone. These are CMAS alerts, and while they can be helpful in emergencies, sometimes they can also be annoying or disruptive, especially at night or during meetings.
I’m Farrukh Nawaz, and after helping thousands of mobile users with tips, I’m here to guide you on how to remove CMAS alerts from your Consumer Cellular phone step by step, no tech jargon, no confusion.
Let’s jump straight in.
What Does CMAS Mean on My Phone?
CMAS stands for Commercial Mobile Alert System. These are emergency alerts sent by the government and your mobile network to warn you about:
Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods)
Amber Alerts (missing children)
Presidential alerts (rare)
Imminent threats to safety
You’ll usually hear them as loud, siren-like alerts, even if your phone is silent.
But are CMAS alerts required?
Yes, some alerts (like presidential alerts in the U.S.) are mandatory by law. But others like Severe Weather or Amber Alerts can be turned off on most phones.
How to Get Rid of CMAS on Consumer Cellular Phone?
Here’s the good news: you can disable most CMAS alerts manually from your phone’s settings. But how you do it depends on whether you’re using an Android or iPhone with Consumer Cellular.
For Android Users (Samsung, Motorola, Nokia, etc.)
Step-by-Step: Turn Off Emergency Alerts on Android
Open Settings
Tap on Notifications or Sound & vibration
Look for Wireless Emergency Alerts or Advanced settings
Tap on Emergency Alerts
Toggle OFF the alerts you don’t want:
Extreme threats
Severe threats
AMBER alerts
You can also turn off the alert sound if you want to keep alerts but silence the noise.
📌 Note: You cannot disable Presidential Alerts on any U.S. phone due to federal law.
🔹 For iPhone Users (iPhone SE, 7, 11, 13, etc.)
How to Turn Off CMAS on iPhone (iOS 16 and above)
Go to Settings
Tap on Notifications
Scroll down to the Government Alerts section
Toggle OFF:
AMBER Alerts
Emergency Alerts
Public Safety Alerts
💡 Tip: You may also see a Test Alerts option. Turn it off if visible.
How to Stop Emergency Alert Text Messages?
If you’re receiving text messages instead of alerts, it’s likely Test Alerts or silent system messages. To stop those:
On Android:
Go to Phone app > Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts
Turn off Test Alerts
On iPhone:
Dial this code:
*5005*25371#
to enable test alertsDial
*5005*25370#
to disable test alertsPress Call
These codes work on most iPhones in the U.S.
What If My CMAS Alert Settings Are Missing?
If you don’t see the alert settings on your Consumer Cellular phone:
Make sure your phone software is up to date
Some older phones may require carrier or system updates
Try searching for “Emergency Alerts” using the Search bar in Settings
You can also call Consumer Cellular support: 📞 1 (888) 345-5509
How Do You Turn Off Do Not Disturb on Consumer Cellular Phone?
Sometimes, alerts bypass Do Not Disturb mode, but it’s good to double-check that it’s set up correctly.
For Android:
Go to Settings > Sound > Do Not Disturb
Tap on Exceptions or What Can Interrupt
Make sure Emergency Alerts aren’t allowed to override DND (if your phone allows this)
For iPhone:
Go to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb
Tap Options
Ensure Time-sensitive notifications are turned off if you want complete silence
Some emergency alerts will still break through DND even if your phone is on silent.
Why Are CMAS Alerts Important?
Even though they can be a bit jarring, CMAS alerts exist to save lives. In situations like:
Flash floods at night
Child abductions in your area
Fires or evacuations
These alerts give you a head start to protect yourself and your loved ones.
But if you’re a senior citizen, someone with anxiety, or just someone who wants peace at night, learning how to control these alerts is smart and responsible.
Should I Turn Off CMAS Alerts Completely?
It depends. Here’s a quick comparison:
Alert Type | Can Be Disabled? | Should You Disable It? |
---|---|---|
Presidential | No | Never |
Severe Weather | Yes | If it’s too frequent |
Amber Alerts | Yes | Case-by-case |
Test Alerts | Yes | If you’re not a tester |
Public Safety | Yes | Your choice |
Real-Life Example: Nighttime Alert Shock
Amina, a retired teacher in Florida, shared how her phone “screamed” at 2:30 a.m. with a flood alert. “I panicked, thinking something happened to my kids,” she said.
After learning how to manage alerts, she now keeps AMBER and weather alerts off, while still allowing critical notifications.
Quick Tips to Handle CMAS Alerts Smartly
Keep your phone updated – so alert settings stay visible.
Customize alerts – only get the ones you need.
Use Focus Mode or DND properly – for peace during sleep.
Educate elderly family members – they may not know how to manage alerts.
Control, Not Chaos
Now that you know how to remove CMAS alerts from your Consumer Cellular phone, you’re in control again. No more surprise sirens in the middle of your nap or jumma prayer.
Just remember alerts are there to help, not hurt. Use them smartly, stay safe, and keep your sanity.

Farrukh Nawaz, tech guru & gaming aficionado. Your go-to for mobile news, gaming updates & expert blogging tips.