How to Fix the “Message Blocking Is Active” Error on Mobile

SMS-based communication continues to remain popular and is a convenient alternative for when you don’t have Internet and need to get in touch with someone. But what happens if, as you’re trying to send your SMS, a mysterious “Message Blocking Is Active” error appears after pressing Send? Follow us in this guide as we help you troubleshoot the issue on your Android or iOS device so that you can get back to texting in no time.

Tip: did you know that you can collaborate on projects using the iOS Message app? Learn how to do it in this guide.

Why Am I Getting the “Message Blocking Is Active” Error?

This error appears in your phone’s default or carrier messaging app as you’re trying to send an SMS to a contact. It signals that the number you’re trying to text has been blocked in some way.

There may be various reasons for this, such as you or your carrier had previously blocked the number. Issues with your carrier network or mobile plan can also be counted among the culprits.

Below you’ll find a list of solutions meant to help you get rid of the error. But before you try them, it’s recommended that you check whether there are any available system updates on your phone.

On Android, go to “Settings -> System -> System update.” On iOS, go to “Settings -> General -> System update.” If a new update is available, install it, as it may solve the issue without you needing to test the following methods.

1. Verify the Recipient’s Number (Android, iOS)

If you’ve typed the recipient’s number manually (assuming they aren’t in your contact list), make sure you’ve entered the correct number. Double-check and try sending the message again. If the error persists, try and send an SMS to another contact or number and see what happens. If the message goes through, check the next solution.

2. Check Whether the Number Is Blocked (Android, iOS)

It’s possible that you have inadvertently blocked the number you’re trying to text. You may have even forgot about doing so at some point. Follow the steps below to check your blocked phone numbers.

Android

1. Open the Phone app on your device.
2. Tap on the three dots in the upper-right corner.

3. Select “Settings.”

4. Tap on “Blocked numbers.” Depending on your default Phone app, this option might be hidden under a different section.

5. Check to see whether any of the numbers on the list match the one you’re trying to text.

6. Tap the “X” next to a number to unblock it.

Tip: learn how to switch to Google DNS on iOS and Android for an enhanced browsing experience.

iOS

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Scroll down until you find the “Phone” option and tap it.

3. Select “Blocked Contacts.”

4. You’ll see the list of blocked contacts on your phone. To unblock someone, press “Edit.”

5. Tap on the red “-” button next to the contact’s name, then press on “Unblock.”

3. Check Your Mobile Plan (Android, iOS)

Another thing you may want to do is check your mobile plan with your carrier (especially if you’re on a family plan where you are not the primary user).

It’s quite possible that your plan has expired or no longer offers SMS privileges. Contact your carrier directly to obtain this information, or check your carrier account/app, if you have one, for more details.

Bearing all this in mind, it may be possible that you’ll need to upgrade or sign up with a new plan to continue sending SMS messages.

It’s a good idea to contact the carrier directly, as you’ll be able to learn more information, such as whether the carrier blocked that number for a certain reason.

4. Try Again Later (Android, iOS)

You may also want to check whether you’re not getting coverage. That may be the case if you’re traveling to an isolated destination or find yourself in places where the network signal could be spotty, such as the subway. To verify whether the area you’re in may be affected by such issues, check your carrier’s official website:

• AT&T
• Verizon
• T-Mobile
• Sprint

If you suspect that’s the case, all you can do is wait a bit before attempting to resend your message. Wait until you arrive in a different location, then try again. If you’re outdoors somewhere, you may want to try climbing to a higher spot.

Good to know: this guide shows you how to protect your SIM data by changing your SIM PIN on your mobile phone.

5. Use a Different SIM Card (Android, iOS)

If you still can’t get coverage using your regular SIM card, then maybe there’s a problem with your carrier’s network. This could be due to maintenance or natural disasters. If it’s the former, the situation is usually resolved in a few days. You’ll receive a notification from your carrier a few days ahead of the maintenance, but if you really need to send your SMS at that moment, you may want to switch your SIM card with another one from a different carrier.

You can purchase one, but it would be even better if you had a spare to use instead. Note that you may have to check whether it still has enough credit or an active mobile plan attached to it.

If you’re also seeing a “No SIM card detected” notification on your phone, try these solutions to resolve your SIM card problems.

6. Activate Premium SMS Access (Android)

If none of the above fixes worked for you, and you have an Android phone, you may need to enable Premium SMS Access for your messages to finally start going through. Just keep in mind that you may be charged extra for this feature.

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Go to “Apps & Notifications.” This section might appear as “Apps” on some phone models.

3. Swipe all the way to the bottom and tap on the “Special app access” option.

4. Select “Premium SMS access.”

5. Tap on the Messages app and select “Always allow” from the options that appear.

6. Go back to the Messages app and try sending your SMS again.

Tip: change your Android home screen image daily with these automatic wallpaper changer apps.

7. Enable Automatic Date & Time (Android, iOS)

Some apps and services can stop working properly if they detect an incorrect date and time on your phone, and it may be the reason you’re unable to send your SMS messages. Follow the steps below to enable automatic date and time on your phone.

Android

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to “System.”

3. Select “Date & time.”

4. Enable the “Set time automatically” toggle as well as the one for “Set time zone automatically” below.

iOS

1. Go to the Settings app on your iOS device.
2. Select “General.”

3. Go to “Date & Time.”

4. Make sure the “Set Automatically” slider is on.

8. Update Carrier Settings (iOS)

The “Message blocking is active” error can also be caused by outdated carrier settings. Updating your carrier settings takes just a few taps on iOS. Follow these steps to take care of it.

9. Reset Your Phone’s Network Settings (Android, iOS)

Corrupt network settings on your phone can be another reason behind the “Message blocking is active” error. To resolve this problem, reset your device’s network settings.

Android

1. Go to “Settings -> System” on your phone.
2. All the way at the bottom, tap on “Reset options.”

3. Select “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.”

4. Press the “Reset settings” button, then restart your device for the changes to take effect.

5. Try sending your SMS again.

iOS

1. Go to “Settings -> General” on your phone.

2. Select “Transfer or Reset iPhone” from the options.

3. Tap “Reset” at the bottom.

4. Choose “Reset Network Settings” from the menu that pops up from the bottom.

5. Restart your device and try to resend the SMS.

Tip: knowing how to factory reset your phone could come in handy someday. Learn how to do it on your iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I send SMS from my PC?

There are various ways, including using a Chrome extension, to send SMS messages from your PC. This dedicated guide walks you through all of the possibilities. Just keep in mind that you still need an active mobile plan to send an SMS from your computer.

Can I hide SMS from specific contacts?

On Android, you can hide SMS from specific contacts using a third-party app like Calculator Pro+. On iOS, use message filtering. Go to “Settings -> Messages -> Filter Unknown Senders” and toggle the option on.

Image credit: Freepik. All screenshots by Alexandra Arici.