iPhone: "Message Blocking is active" sending to non-iPhones
I get this message after every text I send to a non-iPhone. Just started happening.
Free Msg: Unable to send message - Message Blocking is active
Question marked as
If you get “Free Msg: Unable to send message. Message Blocking is active” when texting non‑iPhones, it means your carrier has blocked SMS on your line. This is never caused by iOS and always comes from the carrier side.
You can try the following to fix it:
● Turn iMessage OFF then ON by OPENING Settings ➡️ Apps ➡️ Messages ➡️ turn OFF iMessage ➡️ wait ten seconds ➡️ turn ON iMessage. This forces the phone to re‑register with the carrier for SMS fallback
● Turn Send as SMS ON by OPENING Settings ➡️ Apps ➡️ Messages ➡️ turn ON Send as SMS. This ensures messages to Android devices use the carrier network
● Remove any blocked numbers by OPENING Settings ➡️ Apps ➡️ Messages ➡️ Blocked Contacts and clearing the list. This ensures the carrier does not treat your line as restricted
● Reset network settings by OPENING Settings ➡️ General ➡️ Transfer or Reset iPhone ➡️ Reset ➡️ Reset Network Settings. This forces a fresh SMS registration with the carrier
● Force Restart iPhone EXACTLY as follows. This reloads the carrier messaging framework
• Press and quickly release Volume Up
• Press and quickly release Volume Down
• hold the Side Button until the Apple logo appears
● Check your carrier plan in the carrier app or website. This confirms whether SMS is still included in your plan
● Contact your carrier and ask them to remove “Message Blocking” from your line. This is the only fix if the block is on their system
Axel F.