Getting stuck with the “Unable to Send Message – Message Blocking is Active” error while sending a new message to someone from your iPhone? Don’t worry; you’re not alone.

In this guide, I will walk you through the potential reasons behind this error and provide you with clear, step-by-step instructions to effectively resolve it.

Ready to fix this annoying issue? Let’s get to it.

Different Causes for Message Blocking is Active

The “Message Blocking is Active” error on an iPhone can occur for several reasons, and it’s essential to identify the issue to resolve the issue.

Here are the different causes for this error:

• Unpaid Bills: If you’re on a prepaid plan, ensure that your account is active or that there are no pending recharges. For postpaid users, it’s essential to verify whether there are any unpaid bills or outstanding payments. In either case, you will face the Message Blocking message when attempting to send a new message.
• Do Not Disturb Mode or Focus Mode: If the recipient has DND mode or Focus mode enabled then you may face this issue. However, you will see the Focus Mode status in the Messages app if enabled by the recipient.
• Software Bugs: Recent, iOS updates especially iOS 16, is packed with so many bugs, so, you may also face this issue. Keeping your device’s software up to date can help prevent such issues.
• SIM Card Issues: Make sure that your SIM card is properly installed on your iPhone, if you are sending the message from the eSIM then make sure to check if it has all services active or not.
• Network Issues: Temporary network outages can also lead to this error.
• Account Restrictions: If your carrier detects any violations of services, they may impose restrictions on your account, leading to the possibility of encountering this issue. In worst cases, the carrier may also suspend your account.

Troubleshooting Steps to Resolve the Message Blocking is Active on iPhone

Re-install the SIM Card Properly

If you are using eSIM technology, then you can skip this troubleshooting method and move on to the next one.

If you’ve recently had an accidental drop of your iPhone, it’s possible that the SIM card has shifted slightly from its proper position within the SIM card slot. In such cases, you may need to carefully re-insert or re-install the SIM card in your iPhone.

You can eject the SIM card by putting the SIM-eject tool into the hole beside the SIM tray, push the tool towards the iPhone to pull the tray out, align the SIM card correctly and re-insert it. Hopefully, re-inserting the SIM card will fix the issue of message blocking is active, if not you can move to the next troubleshooter.

Reset Network Settings

You can reset your iPhone’s network settings. This will erase your saved cellular network settings as well as Wi-Fi networks and passwords, so make sure you have those handy. Follow these steps to reset the Network Settings:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Select General.
3. Select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
4. Tap Reset and again Tap on Reset Network Settings.

Verify the Phone Number

Occasionally, we dial the wrong number by mistake, and the same can happen with text messages. If you send a message to an incorrect or inactive number, you may encounter the ‘Message Blocking is Active’ error. Another common reason for this error is forgetting to include the country code at the beginning of the phone number.

So, it’s crucial to double-check the recipient’s number and ensure the correct country code is included before retrying your message.

Ensure You Have Active Cellular Service

Whether you have a prepaid or postpaid cellular connection, it’s essential to confirm that your plan is active and doesn’t have any text limits, especially if you’re on a limited plan. If you are on an unlimited plan, please ensure that your carrier hasn’t imposed any restrictions to messaging capabilities.

Unblock the Contact

“Message Blocking is active” error will also occur if you try sending the message to a blocked contact, if you have mistakenly blocked the contact, then you need to unblock it to resolve the issue. Here’s how you can unblock any contact on your iPhone.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Find Messages and Tap on it.
3. Select Blocked Contacts option.
4. Now unblock the contact by tapping the edit button at the top right corner.
5. Tap on the Minus icon in red circle, then select unblock.
6. That’s it.

Disable iMessage on your iPhone

Both iMessage and regular SMS/MMS messages are managed through the same Messages app on iOS. As a result, conflicts can arise, leading to the possibility of encountering the ‘Message Blocking is Active’ error when sending a message. To resolve this issue, follow the steps below to disable iMessage on your iPhone.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Select Messages.
3. Turn the toggle off for iMessage.
4. Scroll down a bit and turn the toggle on for Send as SMS.
5. That’s it.

Update Carrier Settings

If you’re using outdated carrier settings that are no longer active or if the current carrier network settings have bugs, you might encounter this issue on your device. Therefore, you need update to the latest carrier settings, follow these steps to do it.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Select General.
3. Tap on About.
4. If there’s a pending cellular update, you’ll notice a red exclamation mark next to the About option. To resolve this, simply tap on it and follow the on-screen instructions to install the new update.

Update to the Latest Software Version

Recent, iOS updates are so buggy, so please ensure you are on the latest software version, particularly, the stable aka public build. You can follow these steps to update your iPhone to the newest software.

iOS 17 public release is just around the corner, please ensure that your iPhone is on the latest public version. If you are on the iOS 17 beta, make sure to switch to the public build as soon as it goes live.

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Select General.
3. Select Software Updates.
4. Install the latest software on your iPhone.
5. That’s it.

If you are on the developer beta or public beta, then turn off the beta updates and install the latest stable build on your device to fix the Message Blocking is active error.

Fix Date and Time Settings

Another effective troubleshooting method is to check your iPhone’s date and time settings. Incorrect date and time settings can sometimes lead to messaging issues. So, please ensure the date and time are set to the correct values. Once done, you can try sending the message again.

Contact your Carrier

If the issue still persists, then you can contact your carrier for support. Explain the issue and ask them to check if any message blocking restriction is active for your account. They can provide assistance in resolving the problem.

Contact Apple Support

If none of the above steps work, it’s time to get in touch with Apple Support. You can call to the helpline number or visit your nearest Apple Store.

If you still have queries related to the “Unable to Send Message – Message Blocking is Active” error, then leave a comment in the comment box. Also, share this article with your friends.

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