If you’re seeing the error message “Free Msg: Unable to send message – Message Blocking is active” when trying to send a text, especially on carriers like T-Mobile, Mint, or Boost, it usually indicates that SMS is disabled on your account, or you might have blocked the recipient. This guide will walk you through the steps to resolve this common issue on both Android and iPhone devices.
Before you start: Ensure you have your carrier account credentials handy, especially if you need to access online settings.
Warning: Some steps involve changing network settings, which, if done incorrectly, could affect your phone’s ability to connect to your cellular network. Proceed with caution.
How to fix the “message blocking is active” error
Follow these steps to troubleshoot and fix the “Message Blocking is active” error so you can send texts again.
- Check your phone’s block list:
- If Android: Open the Phone app. Tap the three-dot menu, then select Settings. Tap Blocked numbers (stock Android) or Settings > Block numbers (Samsung Galaxy). Tap X or – on a number to unblock it, then tap Unblock to confirm.
- If iPhone: Open the Settings app. Scroll down and tap Phone, then tap Blocked Contacts. Tap Edit, then tap the red minus sign (-) next to any numbers you want to unblock, and finally tap Unblock. Tap Done when finished.
- Try texting somebody else. If you can send texts to other contacts, the issue might be specific to the original recipient (e.g., they are out of range or have no signal).
- Ensure you have cellular service. Text messages require a cellular signal, so check your signal strength.
- Restart your phone. A quick reboot can often clear up temporary network issues.
- Disable message blocking for your account through your carrier’s online portal.
- If T-Mobile: Sign in to My T-Mobile. Click the My T-Mobile menu and select My Profile. Click Blocking controls. Select your phone number, then click Other controls. Remove the checkmark from “Block sending and receiving SMS/MMS” and click Save.
- If other carriers: Look for similar options in your online account dashboard.
- Make sure your account is in good standing and your bill is paid. Outstanding payments can lead to service restrictions.
- Disable Wi-Fi calling temporarily. Many users report that turning off Wi-Fi calling resolved the error.
- If Android: Open Settings. Tap Connections (Samsung Galaxy) or SIMs (other models). Tap Wi-Fi Calling, then tap the switch to turn the feature off.
- If iPhone: Open Settings. Scroll down and tap Phone. Tap Wi-Fi Calling, then toggle the “Wi-Fi Calling on This iPhone” switch Off.
- Turn on Send as SMS (iPhone). Open your iPhone’s Settings. Scroll down and tap Messages. If “Send as SMS” is disabled, tap the switch to enable it.
- Clear your Messages app cache (Android).
- Open Settings. Tap Apps. Tap See all apps (or similar option) if not all apps appear. Tap the app you use to send text messages (usually Messages). Tap Storage & cache or Storage. Tap Clear cache (or Clear data if no Clear Cache option) and confirm.
- Switch to Google Messages (Samsung Galaxy). If you are using the Samsung Messages app, download the Google Messages app from the Play Store and try sending texts with it.
- Make sure your SMSC number is correct (Android). For T-Mobile, Mint, Metro, and Boost, the SMSC code should be +12063130004.
- In your text messaging app, tap the menu icon (three vertical dots) and select Settings. Tap More Settings. Tap Text messages. Under Message Center, verify the SMSC number. If incorrect or different for your non-T-Mobile carrier, contact your provider for the correct number.
- Reset your APN settings.
- If Android: Open Settings. Tap Connections or Wireless & networks. Tap Mobile networks. Tap Access point names. Tap the three-dot menu and select Reset access points or Reset to default. Tap Reset access points or Reset to confirm.
- If iPhone: Open Settings and select Cellular. Tap Cellular Data Network (if available). Tap Reset Settings. If this option is not available, contact your carrier.
- Check your APN settings (Android) if you recently switched providers.
- In Settings, open the Wireless & Networks or Connections menu. Tap Mobile network. Tap Access point names. If a T-Mobile APN exists, tap it. If not, tap New APN to create one named “T-Mobile.”
- Set the APN value to Fast.t-mobile.com (for LTE) or epc.t-mobile.com (non-LTE).
- Ensure Proxy, Port, Username, Password, Server, Authentication Type, MMS proxy, and MMS port are “Not set.”
- Set MMSC to http://mms.msg.eng.t-mobile.com/mms/wapenc.
- Set MMS protocol to Wap 2.0.
- Set MCC to 310 and MNC to 260.
- Set APN Type to default,supl,mms (stock Android) or Internet+MMS (Samsung Galaxy).
- Set APN Protocol & APN roaming protocol to IPv4/IPv6.
- Set Bearer to Unspecified.
- Tap the menu key and save your changes. If you added a second APN, delete the first one and restart your Android.
- Contact your cellular provider. If all else fails, the problem is likely account-related or a deeper network issue that only your carrier can resolve.
Pro tip: Always try restarting your phone as a first step for any cellular or app-related issues, as it often clears minor glitches.
What to do next?
Once you’ve successfully resolved the “Message Blocking is active” error, you should be able to send and receive text messages without any issues. To avoid future problems, it’s a good idea to regularly check your carrier’s online account for any unexpected settings changes, especially if you experience service interruptions.
Also, keep your phone’s operating system and all messaging apps updated to ensure compatibility and access to the latest features and bug fixes. If you frequently travel, ensure your carrier plan includes appropriate roaming or international texting options to prevent similar blocking errors abroad.
