How do I fix 'Unable to send message - Message Blocking is active' when switching between RCS and SMS on iPhone?

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How do I fix 'Unable to send message - Message Blocking is active' when switching between RCS and SMS on iPhone?

My iPhone randomly cycles between RCS messaging and SMS messaging when texting Androids. My RCS messages work, but I can’t send SMS messages. When I try I get this automated response: “Free Msg: Unable to send message - Message Blocking is active”. When the Android user sends me a text message, it causes my phone to shift back to RCS briefly. A few seconds/minutes later my phone cycles back to SMS messaging, and I begin receiving the automated response again. I’ve never had any issues with sending SMS messages before. What can I do about this?

iPhone 17 pro, iOS 26.2.1

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Help: RCS/SMS Random Cycling

iPhone 17 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Feb 5, 2026 6:23 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 5, 2026 7:07 AM in response to Sunrise_14

Sunrise_14 wrote:

My iPhone randomly cycles between RCS messaging and SMS messaging when texting Androids. My RCS messages work, but I can’t send SMS messages. When I try I get this automated response: “Free Msg: Unable to send message - Message Blocking is active”.

That message is generally the result of something on the recipient's end. What happens if you turn of RCS Messaging?

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