Android Earthquake Alerts prove smartphones can warn of quakes

A recent study has highlighted how the Android network could become a powerful tool for earthquake early warning. The Android Earthquake Alerts (AEA) system relies on accelerometers built into smartphones to detect ground vibrations and deliver alerts directly to users. With Android powering roughly 70% of the world’s smartphones, its reach is far greater than that of traditional seismic sensors, particularly in remote areas.

According to Alphabet, AEA has already provided what it described as «life-saving» warnings on multiple occasions. Between 2021 and 2024, the system registered an average of 312 earthquakes per month, ranging in magnitude from 1.9 to 7.8. In a large-scale survey involving over 1.5 million participants, 36% of respondents said they received alerts before the shaking began, 28% reported receiving notifications during the event, and 23% stated that they were alerted a few seconds after the tremors had started.

While conventional seismic sensor networks remain more precise and faster, deploying them in underdeveloped or hard-to-reach regions is a significant challenge. This is where smartphones can play a crucial role, giving millions of people the chance to prepare for potential quakes. The findings underscore how everyday technology, originally designed for convenience, is increasingly being used as a tool to help save lives.