The error “Message Blocking Is Active” and How to Repair It on Your Mobile Device

An editor at Blogzine

March 25, 2023
🕑 6 minutes read
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The error “Message Blocking Is Active” and How to Repair It on Your Mobile Device

SMS-based communication remains popular and is a great option when you don’t have Internet access and need to contact someone. So what if, while attempting to send your SMS, a weird “Message Blocking Is Active” warning comes after you push Send? Follow along as we solve the problem on your Android or iOS device so you can be back to messaging in no time.

What Causes the “Message Blocking Is Active” Error?

This issue displays when you try to send an SMS to a contact using your phone’s default or carrier messaging app. It indicates that the phone number you’re attempting to text has been banned in some way.

There might be several reasons for this, including the fact that you or your carrier already blacklisted the number. Problems with your carrier’s network or cell plan might also be blamed.

Following is a list of options to assist you get rid of the error. Nevertheless, before you attempt them, you should check to see whether your phone has any accessible system updates.

Go to “Settings -> System -> System update” on Android. Go to “Settings -> General -> System update” on iOS. If a new update is available, install it since it may resolve the problem without requiring you to test the next steps.

Check the Recipient’s Phone Number (Android, iOS)

If you manually input the recipient’s phone number (assuming they aren’t in your contact list), double-check that you entered the proper number. Check again and attempt sending the message. If the issue persists, send an SMS to a different contact or number to see what happens. If the message is delivered, go to the next solution.

Determine if the number is blocked (Android, iOS)

It’s conceivable that you accidentally blocked the number you’re attempting to text. You could have even forgotten about it at some time. To check your blacklisted phone numbers, follow the instructions below.

Android

On your device, launch the Phone app.
In the upper-right corner, tap the three dots.

Choose “Settings.”

Settings option in Phone app on Android.

Choose “Blocked numerals.” This option may be buried under a different area depending on your chosen Phone app.

Check to check if any of the numbers on the list correspond to the one you’re attempting to text.

Removing blocked numbers from blocked list on Android.

Unblock a number by tapping the “X” next to it.

iOS

Launch your device’s Settings app.
Scroll down until you see “Phone,” then tap it.

Choose “Blocked Contacts.”

On your phone, you’ll see a list of prohibited contacts. Press “Edit” to unblock someone.

Touch the red “-” icon next to the contact’s name, then “Unblock.”

Removing blocked contacts from list on iOS.

Examine Your Mobile Plan (Android, iOS)

Check your cell plan with your carrier as well (particularly if you’re on a family plan where you’re not the primary user).

It’s possible that your plan has ended or that SMS capabilities are no longer available. To access this information, contact your carrier directly, or check your carrier account/app, if you have one.

With this in mind, it’s conceivable that you’ll need to upgrade or sign up for a new plan in order to continue sending SMS texts.

Contacting the carrier directly will allow you to obtain more information, such as whether the carrier blacklisted that number for a specific reason.

Give it another shot later (Android, iOS)

You should also check to see if you are not receiving coverage. That might be the case if you’re traveling to a remote location or if you’re in an area where network coverage is patchy, such as the subway. Check your carrier’s official website to see if the location you’re in is plagued by such issues:

If you feel this is the case, the only thing you can do is wait a few minutes before attempting to resubmit your message. Wait until you reach a new place before attempting again. If you’re out in nature, you might want to consider ascending to a higher elevation.

Make Use of a Different SIM Card (Android, iOS)

If you still can’t receive coverage using your usual SIM card, your carrier’s network may be down. This might be the result of routine maintenance or natural calamities. If it is the former, the problem is generally remedied within a few days. You’ll receive a reminder from your carrier a few days before the maintenance, but if you really must send an SMS at that time, you should consider switching SIM cards to another carrier.

You can buy one, but it would be preferable if you had a spare on hand. You should check to see whether it still has adequate credit or an active cell plan tied to it.

If you’re seeing a “No SIM card detected” notice on your phone, try these SIM card troubleshooting tips.

Enable Premium SMS Access (Android)

If none of the preceding solutions worked for you and you have an Android phone, you may need to activate Premium SMS Access before your messages may ultimately be delivered. Keep in mind that you may be charged an additional fee for this function.

Launch your phone’s Settings app.
Go to “Apps and Notifications.” In some phone models, this area may be labeled “Apps.”

Scroll all the way to the bottom and select “Exclusive app access.”

Choose “Premium SMS access.”

Choose “Always allow” from the choices that display when you tap on the Messages app.

Return to the Messaging app and retry sending your Text.

Choose Automatic Date and Time (Android, iOS)

Several applications and services may cease to function correctly if they detect an inaccurate date and time on your phone, which may be the cause of your inability to send SMS messages. To activate automatic date and time on your phone, follow the instructions below.

Android

Launch the Settings app.
Go to “System.”

Choose “Date and time.”

Activate the “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically” toggles below.

iOS

Go to your iOS device’s Settings app.
Choose “Generic.”

Go to “Date & Time.”

Check that the “Set Automatically” slider is turned on.

Refresh Carrier Settings (iOS)

Outdated carrier settings might potentially cause the “Message blocking is active” problem. With iOS, updating your carrier settings is as simple as a few touches. To take care of it, follow these procedures.

Reset the Network Settings on Your Phone (Android, iOS)

Another cause of the “Message blocking is active” problem might be corrupt network settings on your phone. Reset your device’s network settings to address this issue.

Android

On your phone, go to “Settings -> System.”
Tap “Reset choices” all the way to the bottom.

Choose “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile, and Bluetooth.”

To make the changes take effect, press the “Reset settings” button and restart your device.

Send your Text once more.

iOS

On your phone, go to “Settings -> General.”
Choose “Transfer or Reset iPhone” from the list of options.

Tap “Reset” at the bottom.

Choose “Reset Network Settings” from the option that appears at the bottom.

Restart your smartphone and attempt sending the SMS again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I send SMS from my PC?

There are several methods for sending SMS messages from your Laptop, including utilizing a Chrome extension. This comprehensive guide will lead you through all of the options. Please bear in mind that sending an SMS from your computer requires an active cell plan.

Can I hide SMS from specific contacts?

You may conceal SMS from select contacts on Android by utilizing a third-party software such as Calculator Pro+. Use message filtering on iOS. Toggle the option “Settings -> Messages -> Filter Unknown Senders” on.

Image credit: Freepik. All screenshots by Alexandra Arici.