Methods and apparatus for processing system message data received at an electronic device that is in a low power mode are disclosed. System message data is processed by receiving at least one system message including data for processing by the electronic device while the electronic device is in the low power mode, generating a message available indicator responsive to the at least one system message, generating a process message signal responsive to at least one of (i) the message available indicator and (ii) the data of the at least one system message, transitioning device circuitry within the electronic device from a powered down state to a powered up state responsive to the process message signal, and processing the data of the at least one system message using the device circuitry in the powered up state.