Google's Android Earthquake Alert System Saves Lives by Using Phone Sensors

Google’s Android Earthquake Alert (AEA) system, launched in 2020, uses smartphones’ accelerometers to detect seismic activity and provide life-saving warnings. Now active in 98 countries, the system has sent over 1,279 alerts since its inception, reaching 2.5 billion people.
The AEA relies on the widespread use of Android devices to detect earthquakes. When a phone detects seismic waves, it sends data to Google’s servers, which analyze the patterns to determine if an earthquake is occurring. Alerts are then sent to users, providing up to a minute of warning before shaking begins.
The system distinguishes between earthquake vibrations and other movements, such as trucks or thunderstorms, by analyzing data from multiple devices. This reduces false alarms, of which there have been only three since the system’s launch.
AEA has proven effective in real-world scenarios. For example, during a 2023 earthquake offshore in the Philippines, alerts were sent 15 seconds before shaking began. In Türkiye, users received warnings over a minute ahead of the seismic waves.
The system’s reach and accuracy have improved over time, with updates refining earthquake modeling and reducing errors. By leveraging existing smartphone sensors, AEA provides a cost-effective solution to earthquake early warning, saving lives and reducing risks in seismically active regions worldwide.

Published: 7/17/2025