Message Blocking Is Active IPhone Can you send a text message to someone on your iPhone without receiving the message “Unable to send a message – Message Blocking is active”?
That’s some kind of an unexpected issue you might encounter at any time that prevents you from sending a text message.
In case you are experiencing the same issue, please follow this troubleshooting guide for resolving the issue. There is nothing to worry about with this specific issue.
This error is primarily encountered when the recipient blocks you or maybe you block them as well.
Though there are a few times when this issue occurs due to several possible reasons such as iMessage conflicts or Date & Time settings regarding problems on the iPhone, it is becoming increasingly common these days for iPhone users to encounter this issue.
The following information explains possible reasons and offers workarounds that you may find useful.
What Does Message Blocking is Active Do
Every smartphone owner has experienced the situation of putting his or her phone in their pocket with the screen on and unknowingly pressing a number of buttons.
Through the use of message blocking, an iPhone is unable to send or receive SMS messages from another person.
The “message blocking active” notification appears on your screen when you attempt to send a message from an iPhone.
You need to clear this notification in order to send a message.
In addition, you may experience this situation in the event of a technical malfunction or an interruption by your mobile service provider.
In the event that the person you are trying to contact has not blocked you on iMessage, you should try contacting them on a different platform in case they have inadvertently blocked you.
Why the error Message Blocking Is Active
When a user attempts to send a text message or multimedia message (MMS) from their iPhone but does not receive the message, the error message “Message Blocking Is Active” will typically appear.
This error message is displayed to inform the user that the message has been blocked and will not be delivered to the intended recipient. # Why the error Message Blocking Is Active
The following are some of the reasons why message blocking may be active on an iPhone:
Carrier Restrictions:
Mobile service providers may impose certain restrictions on message delivery for a variety of reasons, including account-specific settings, network limitations, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Certain types of messages may be prevented from being sent or received as a result of these restrictions.
Account Settings:
There is a possibility that users have unintentionally enabled message blocking or implemented specific blocking features in their iPhone settings.
Incoming and outgoing messages can be blocked if certain options, such as the Do Not Disturb mode or Call & Message Blocking, are activated.
Third-Party Apps:
Message delivery may be interfered with by certain third-party applications, such as spam filters and messaging apps with their own blocking features.
These applications may have settings and configurations with the potential to unintentionally block messages. # Why the error Message Blocking Is Active
Network Issues:
There are times when temporary network problems, such as signal problems or service disruptions, can cause message blocking errors, which may be resolved automatically after the network is reconnected.
The following steps can be taken to resolve the “Message Blocking Is Active” error:
Check iPhone Settings:
Disable any blocking or restriction settings that may have been activated inadvertently on your iPhone.
Make sure that Do Not Disturb is turned off and that no particular blocking settings have been enabled. # Why the error Message Blocking Is Active
Contact Carrier:
Ask for assistance from your mobile service provider’s customer service department.
They will be able to determine if any blocks or restrictions apply to your account and assist in troubleshooting the problem.
Verify Third-Party Apps:
Review the settings and configurations of any messaging or spam-filtering applications that you have installed.
Make sure that any settings that could potentially block messages are disabled.
Network Connectivity:
Try reconnecting or contacting your carrier for further assistance if the issue persists. In the meantime, you can check your network connectivity.
Ensure that you have a stable cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
Please note that the steps for resolving the “Message Blocking Is Active” error may differ depending on your carrier, iPhone model, and software version.
For customized guidance and troubleshooting steps tailored to your situation, please contact your carrier’s customer service or consult their support resources.
How to Fix Message Blocking Active?
As a result of the “Message Blocking Active” error on your iPhone, you will be unable to send a text message to the specific recipient no matter how many times you attempt.
According to the previous paragraph, it is highly likely that your recipient has blocked you on iMessage or that you have blocked the recipient, which is the most common cause of such issues.
You may, however, experience other difficulties as well. # Message Blocking Active # How to Fix Message Blocking Active
Try Reinserting the SIM Card
In order to ensure that there are no issues with the SIM card placement, you should also try to remove the SIM card and re-insert it again.
Follow these steps:
- To remove the SIM card, use a SIM ejector tool or paper clip.
- Once the iPhone has been powered off, turn it off.
- Check for the problem by reinserting the SIM card after waiting a few seconds.
Unblock the Number
You might also be able to resolve the problem by simply unblocking the phone number that has problems sending messages on your iPhone. # Message Blocking Active # How to Fix Message Blocking Active
You can follow the steps below to do so.
- On your iPhone, open the Settings menu.
- Tap the Phone icon after scrolling down a bit.
- To view your blocked contacts, click on Call Blocking & Identification.
- On the top-right corner, select Edit.
- Once you have selected the phone number, click on the minus (-) sign.
- The number can be unblocked by selecting Unblock.
- Tap on Done in the top-right corner of the screen.
- To send the text message again, open Messages after completing the process.
Boot Your iPhone in Safe Mode
To determine whether a third-party application is conflicting with your iPhone, you may want to try booting it in Safe Mode by following the steps below.
- To display the Apple logo, power off your iPhone and then long-press the Power button.
- To boot the iPhone, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously.
- Once the boot logo appears, release the Volume key.
- When the iPhone boots in Safe Mode, wait for it to start.
- Last but not least, make sure that the issue still persists.
- Uninstall any third-party app that you find to be problematic to resolve the issue.
Reset Network Settings
Multiple conflicts with cellular connectivity can also lead to networking glitches or temporary cache data issues on the iPhone.
In order to get rid of temporary networking glitches, it is recommended that you reset the iPhone’s networking settings manually.

You can follow the steps below to do that.
- Click Settings > General.
- Tap on Reset after selecting Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Reset the network settings by choosing this option.
- To confirm the lock screen passcode, enter it if prompted.
- Once the process is complete, force reboot your iPhone to apply the changes.
The iPhone’s Wi-Fi configuration, cellular settings, VPN, and APN settings will be reset. # Message Blocking Active # How to Fix Message Blocking Active
Change the Carrier Plan
Additionally, you may want to consider switching your carrier plan from whatever you are currently using in order to see if the problem has been resolved.
It is likely that your current carrier plan does not have an SMS pack available.
Force Restart Your iPhone
For any temporary system glitch or cache data issue on your iPhone, you should force reboot it manually.
It may not be possible to force reboot your iPhone normally.
- Once you’ve pressed and released the Volume Up button, you’ll want to press and release the Volume Down button as well.
- When the Apple logo appears on the screen, hold the Side button (Power).
- Release the Side button once you see the Apple boot logo.
- Reboot the device into the system once it has finished rebooting.
Set the Correct Date and Time on iPhone
It is possible for your iPhone to experience multiple issues related to networking or cellular connectivity if you have incorrect time & date settings. # Message Blocking Active
You should always set the date & time according to the region and timezone. You can also set the automatic time & date so that you don’t have to configure it every time.
Here are the steps for doing so:
- Go to Settings > General.
- Set the correct time zone by tapping on Date and Time.
- Restart your iPhone after turning on Set Automatically.
Enable Airplane Mode and Disabling it again
It means that there is still a connectivity problem in your iOS 16-running iPhone if it is unable to load any online applications or fails to connect to the network.
Using the steps below, you can refresh the connectivity glitch of iOS 16 by turning on and off Airplane Mode on your iPhone.
Sometimes installing the latest software update can be difficult due to cache data or glitches. # Message Blocking Active
Furthermore, Bluetooth and NFC connectivity issues may also arise after installing the latest iPhone software update.
As a result, turning Airplane Mode on and off may be useful.
- To enable Airplane Mode, open the Settings app and tap on it.
- Ensure the toggle is turned on and wait a few seconds.
- Turn the toggle off again and check for the problem.
Software Updates on iPhone
It is also important to review your iPhone’s available software updates from time to time. # Message Blocking Active
The iPhone comes with the latest version of iOS out of the box, however Apple continuously updates the software via OTA in order to improve and fix bugs.
It is important to note that Apple continuously releases software updates for eligible devices.
Thus, if you have not updated your iPhone, please follow the steps below:
- Select the General option from the Settings app.
- Select Automatic Updates from the Software Update menu.
- As a result, your system will also check for updates that are available.
- Please enter the device passcode if it is available.
- Once the update has been installed, the iPhone will automatically reboot.
- There may be a delay, so please be patient.
It is important to note that if there is no update available, a notification stating that iOS is up-to-date will appear on your screen.
Check the Cellular Service Coverage
If the network signal is not working on your iPhone, you should also check your cellular service or network to make sure there is no problem with the network.
If there are any drops in the network signal, reboot your iPhone and wait for a few minutes. # Message Blocking Active
Conclusion
It is important to note that message blocking is an important feature of iPhones, which allows users to control the messages they receive.
While it can be a useful tool for managing unwanted messages or preventing spam, it can also result in unintended consequences when it is activated unintentionally or without the user’s knowledge.
It is crucial that you follow the necessary steps to resolve the message blocking issue on your iPhone if it is active.
To ensure message blocking is disabled on your device, go to the Settings app, select “Messages,” and disable any blocking options or restrictions.
The delivery of messages may be affected by third-party apps or network settings, so it is advisable to review these settings.
The issue may persist if you contact your mobile service provider.
Moreover, they can provide guidance on troubleshooting the problem or offer specific solutions based on your carrier’s policies and procedures.
They can also determine if there are any account-level restrictions or blocks that affect your messaging services.