Disable Wireless Emergency Alerts (Cell Broadcast) on Android devices via Esper App Management

Android

Wireless Emergency Alerts (Cell Broadcast) are OS-level notifications that cannot be suppressed through standard notification settings. This article explains how to disable these alerts on your Esper-managed Android devices using Apps & Configuration.

Before you begin

Wireless Emergency Alerts are delivered by a system application called Cell Broadcast Receiver. The package name varies by device manufacturer:

• Most Android devices: com.android.cellbroadcastreceiver
• Google Pixel devices: com.google.android.cellbroadcastreceiver
• Samsung and other OEMs: proprietary variants like com.samsung.android.cellbroadcastreceiver

You must identify the correct package name for your device model before disabling it. This approach requires devices to be fully managed in Device Owner mode.

Step 1: Identify the Cell Broadcast package on your device

1. In the Esper Console, go to Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Apps.
2. Search the installed app list for com.android.cellbroadcastreceiver, com.google.android.cellbroadcastreceiver, or any package containing "cell" or "broadcast".
3. Note the exact package name for your device model.

Alternative method using ADB:

If you prefer to use ADB, run this command to find all Cell Broadcast packages on the device:

adb shell pm list packages | grep -i cell

If the standard package names are not found, search for packages containing "broadcast" or "emergency":

adb shell pm list packages | grep -i broadcast

Step 2: Disable the package at the group level

1. In the Esper Console, go to Devices & Groups → [Your Group Name] → Apps.
2. Find the Cell Broadcast package you identified in Step 1.
3. Set the application State to Disable.
4. Save your changes.

For detailed instructions on managing apps at the group level, see Managing Apps at the Group Level.

Step 3: Apply to all affected groups and devices

If your devices are spread across multiple groups, repeat Step 2 for each group. Alternatively, create a Blueprint that includes the Cell Broadcast package disable rule and push it to all relevant groups for fleet-wide application.

Step 4: Verify the change

1. In the Esper Console, confirm that the Cell Broadcast package shows as Disabled under the group's App list.
2. Monitor your devices during the next expected alert window, or coordinate with your carrier to send a test alert.
3. Confirm that alerts no longer appear on your devices.

Troubleshooting

Package not found under expected names

Use the ADB commands above to search for any package containing "cell", "broadcast", "emergency", or carrier-specific variants. Samsung devices, for example, may use com.samsung.android.cellbroadcastreceiver or bundle the functionality into a carrier app.

App shows Disabled but alerts still appear

Some devices enforce Cell Broadcast at the modem level, bypassing the Android app entirely. This is particularly common on carrier-branded or ruggedized devices. In these cases, disabling the app package may not be sufficient. Contact Esper Support to explore additional options.

Device is fully kiosk-locked and ADB is unavailable

Use Esper's Remote ADB feature to query the device without physical access. In the Esper Console, go to Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Remote ADB and run the package identification commands.

Alerts reappear after system updates

If your device receives a firmware or OS update, the Cell Broadcast package may revert to enabled state. Reapply the disable rule or ensure your Blueprint is reapplied after the update completes.

Important notes

• Package names vary by OEM and carrier. Always verify the correct package name for your specific device model before disabling.
• Regulatory compliance: Some jurisdictions enforce government-issued emergency alerts (such as Presidential Alerts in the US) at the modem level, which may not be blockable through app disabling. Verify your local legal requirements before implementing this change.
• Device management mode required: This approach works only on devices in Device Owner mode. Work Profile deployments may not allow system app state changes.
• Post-update re-application: After system updates, you may need to reapply the disable rule.

Still need help?

If you've followed these steps and alerts are still appearing, or if you cannot identify the Cell Broadcast package on your device model, submit a support ticket. Include your device model, OS version, and the exact package names you found in your device's app list.