The “message blocking is active” error, often appearing as “Free Msg: Unable to send message – Message Blocking is active,” usually indicates that SMS is disabled for your account or that you have blocked the recipient. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the “Message Blocking is active” error to **send and receive text messages** again.
Before you start: This error commonly affects users on T-Mobile, Mint, Boost, and other carriers that utilize T-Mobile’s network.
Warning: Some steps involve changing network settings. If unsure, contact your cellular provider before making changes.
How to resolve the “message blocking is active” error
Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the issue preventing you from sending text messages.
- Check your phone’s block list: You might have accidentally blocked the number you are trying to text.
- If Android: Open the Phone app. Tap the three-dot menu and select Settings. Tap Blocked numbers (stock Android) or Settings > Block numbers (Samsung Galaxy). Tap X or – on a number to unblock it. Tap Unblock to confirm.
- If iPhone: Open the Settings app. Scroll down and tap Phone. Tap Blocked Contacts. Tap Edit. Tap the red minus sign (-) next to any numbers you want to unblock, then tap Unblock. Tap Done when you’re finished. Also, check your carrier as you might have the number blocked at the carrier level.
- Try texting somebody else: If you can send texts without errors to other contacts, the original person you were trying to text may be out of range or signal.
- Make sure you have cellular service: Text messages require a cellular signal to send. If your service is spotty or you are out of range, you will not be able to send SMS text messages.
- Restart your phone: A quick reboot of your Android or iPhone may clear up the problem.
- Disable message blocking for your account:
- Sign in to My T-Mobile.
- Click the My T-Mobile menu and select My Profile.
- Click Blocking controls.
- Select your phone number from the menu.
- Click Other controls.
- Remove the checkmark from “Block sending and receiving SMS/MMS” and click Save.
- Make sure your account is in good standing: If you haven’t paid your bill, your carrier may suspend SMS texting.
- Disable Wi-Fi calling temporarily: Many users have reported 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. Tap the switch to turn the feature off.
- If iPhone: Open Settings. Scroll down and tap Phone. Tap Wi-Fi Calling. 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 if all of your apps don’t appear.
- Tap the app you use to send text messages (usually Messages).
- Tap Storage & cache or Storage.
- Tap Clear cache (or Clear data if there is no Clear Cache) and confirm.
- Switch to Google Messages (Samsung Galaxy): Many Galaxy owners report that switching to Google Messages solved the blocking issue.
- Make sure your SMSC number is correct (Android): For T-Mobile, Mint, Metro, and Boost, your SMSC (short message service center) code should be +12063130004.
- In your text messaging app, tap the menu icon (usually three vertical dots) and select Settings.
- Tap More Settings.
- Tap Text messages.
- Under Message Center, you should see your carrier’s SMSC number.
- Reset your APN settings: Your APN (Access Point Name) settings may be incorrect. Resetting them to defaults can often fix message blocking errors.
- 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. Warning: If you don’t see this option, your iPhone doesn’t have a way to view or reset APN details. In this case, contact your carrier. Tap Reset Settings.
- Check your APN settings (Android): If you switched providers, you may have the wrong APN settings.
- In Settings, open the Wireless & Networks or Connections menu.
- Tap Mobile network.
- Tap Access point names.
- Tap T-Mobile APN if you see it. If not, tap New APN to create one called T-Mobile.
- The APN value should be Fast.t-mobile.com (for LTE devices) or epc.t-mobile.com (for non-LTE).
- Proxy, Port, Username, Password, Server, Authentication Type, MMS proxy, and MMS port should all be “Not set.”
- MMSC: http://mms.msg.eng.t-mobile.com/mms/wapenc.
- MMS protocol: Wap 2.0
- MCC: 310
- MNC: 260
- APN Type: This can be either default,supl,mms (stock Android) OR Internet+MMS (Samsung Galaxy).
- APN Protocol & APN roaming protocol: IPv4/IPv6
- Bearer: Unspecified.
- Tap the menu key and save your changes. If you added a second APN, delete the first APN, and restart your Android.
- Contact your cellular provider: If you still can’t send texts after trying all the above steps, the problem is likely related to your account. Your carrier should be able to make a change on their end that restores your ability to send text messages.
Pro tip: Always restart your phone after making significant network or account setting changes to ensure they take effect.
What to do next?
Once you’ve resolved the “Message Blocking is active” error, ensure your messaging experience remains smooth. Consider saving your carrier’s customer service number in your contacts for quick access if future issues arise. Regularly check your carrier’s app or online portal for account status and billing, as simple issues like an overdue bill can surprisingly lead to service interruptions.
You might also want to explore advanced messaging features offered by your phone or carrier, such as RCS messaging for Android or additional iMessage functionalities for iPhone, to enhance your communication. Staying informed about your device and carrier settings can prevent common errors and keep you connected.
