Message Blocking Is Active – What It Means and How to Fix [Android, iPhone, T-Mobile & Metro]

Text messaging remains a popular mode of communication, with a sizable amount of people reliant on the service. Even though other alternative texting apps have been released recently, text messaging is still the best due to its raw text capability. And like all other manmade things, it has its limitation and challenges.

Did your phone notify you that “Message Blocking Is Active” when you attempted to send a text? Or perhaps a friend also got the same response and accused you of blocking them when you don’t know what they were talking about.

Many T-Mobile subscribers are experiencing difficulties sending text messages because they receive the “free msg: unable to send message – message blocking is active.” message

In this article, I’ll be discussing what message blocking is active means and how to resolve it.

What Does “Message Blocking Is Active” Mean on Android, iPhone, T-Mobile & Metro?

Whenever you receive “message blocking is active” on your android, iPhone or T-Mobile after sending a message, it often means that you have blocked that phone number or the recipient you are trying to message has blocked you. In some cases, it could also be because the phone number or email address is incorrect.

Here are some reasons why you get “message Blocking is Active” on your phone:

Block List: either the sender or the receiver may have blocked the other. This will result in you getting “Message blocking is active” anytime you try to message that number.

Short Code Issue: This issue is exclusive to T-Mobile and is the result of shortcode blocking. Ask a technician for help as you can’t do this yourself.

Service Outage: because of network issues from your service provider, the messaging service may have been halted, resulting in this error.

Premium Message access: you haven’t enabled premium messaging on your phone, preventing you from using your third-party messaging apps.

Read also: How To Block Calls On Landlines

Fixes for iPhone Message Blocking Is Active

The “Message Blocking Is Active” error often occurs on iPhones due to a need for an update. However, there can be other causes. So below are listed solutions for iPhone users.

Tweak iMessage

• Navigate to Settings >> Messages
• Disable iMessage and resend the message

If you can send the message correctly this time, your iMessage is the one with an issue. Also, ensure that internet connectivity is active when you are making use of iMessage. If you don’t have access to the internet by any chance, it’s best to disable iMessage.

However, if your internet connection is stable and you make use of iMessage, try signing out and in with your Apple ID. Here’s how to do that:

• Open Settings and select Messages Settings
• Then select Send and Receive >> Apple ID >> Sign Out
• Sign in again and check to see if the issue has been resolved

Network Reset

This will erase only specific network settings such as WiFi networks and APNs and leave personal information untouched.

• Navigate to Settings and then to General
• Select Reset and Reset Network Settings from the Reset menu

Resetting your network settings will remove all network settings configurations, including WiFi networks and APNs. Next, verify that your issue has been resolved.

Keep Your Device Up To Date

Regularly check for updates. Each update has advanced software for the efficient running of your phone. Use the simple steps outlined below for your update checking.

• Open your phone’s Settings >> General settings
• Select Software Updates and install any available update

Read also: Why Is My Phone Not Allowed to Make or Receive Calls?

Fixes for Android Message Blocking Is Active

Remove the Number from your Blocklist

To remove that number from your block list:

• Navigate to Settings on your phone
• Then Message and Blocked
• Next Edit
• Go through the list and search for the number you want to unblock. Click unblock, and it should disappear from that list.

Also, you have to consider that the recipient might have blocked you, whether mistakenly or intentionally. Try calling the number to see if you can establish a communication link.

Authorize Permission for Premium SMS

As previously stated, certain messaging apps will require premium SMS access. So, you will need to enable permission for your Message app if it is a third-party app. Then, try the steps outlined below.

• Open Settings and navigate to App
• From the displayed list, select Special App Access
• Choose “Premium SMS Access” >> next pick the app you want to grant permission

Ensure Your Number Isn’t Deactivated

Most times, people receive this “message blocking is active” error message on their phone after their phone number was permanently deactivated or their phone bills are unpaid, hence an inactive phone plan. If you’re in a similar situation, contact your customer service to have your number reactivated.

Read also: Why Does My Phone Say No Service? 

Verify That Your Account Has Text Messaging Services Enabled

To verify that text messaging is permitted on your phone plan, open your phone’s settings, check that you enable the “Can send/receive text messages“.

If the top of the Messages section has no edit icon (you can’t make any changes to your text messaging settings), that number is not active.

If the person texting you sees “message blocking is active“, it’s likely because you haven’t enabled text messaging.

Make an Attempt to Contact the Number

If you’re having difficulty texting a specific number, try placing a call across. Because voice and text communications use the same portion of the network, if you can call the number you’re attempting to text, you should also be able to text on most carriers.

If you can get in touch by calling, not messaging, then that person has some block in place. Meaning they might not have text messaging enabled on the phone, resulting in you getting “message blocking is active“.

Read also: Dial these Codes to Check If Phone Is Hacked

Delete and Re-Enter that Contact Information

If you’re experiencing difficulty messaging a specific contact, try removing and re-entering the number. Then, message the number again to see if you’ll the message blocking is active or not.

Switch OFF Your Mobile Phone and Take out the SIM Card

Press the power button to turn OFF your phone, then remove the SIM card. If your battery is removable, remove it. If not, remove only the SIM card and wait for about 30 seconds before reinserting it back to your phone, then power it ON.

Conclusion

It’s pretty infuriating to see “message blocking is active” when trying to message someone about something important. But we’ve mentioned different fixes you can try out to get your message across.

Read also: What Is AT&T and Verizon Visual Voicemail?

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