How to Fix Message Blocking Active on Android (easy)

If you’ve ever encountered the frustrating “Message Blocking Activated” issue that prevents you from sending texts, MMS, or attached media clips using the Messages app, you’re in the right place. I’ve spent time diving deep into this problem, trying every proven method to fix it. This post is packed with practical solutions, complete with step-by-step screenshots to guide you through the process.

What I Did to Fix this Quickly

Generally, when you find that “Free Msg: message blocking is active” on Android, it’s mostly related to something on the carrier’s side.

However, to fix the issue, you can try contacting your carrier, resetting your APN settings, turning off Wi-Fi calling on your device, checking the carrier’s signal strength, or looking for carrier-side server issues or if there is any issues from the carrier’s side on websites like Downdetector.

How to Fix the Message Blocking Active on Any Android device

As someone who’s wrestled with message blocking issues more times than I’d like to admit, I understand the frustration. Let me share my experiences and the solutions that worked for me, along with some insights from others who’ve faced similar problems.

Fix 1. Wi-Fi Calling Conflicts

I once spent hours trying to figure out why my messages kept failing. Then I stumbled upon this advice from a fellow user, mercenary_sysadmin:

How I fixed it: Following mercenary_sysadmin’s tip, I went into my phone’s settings (under “Network & Internet”), turned off Wi-Fi Calling, and boom! My messages started going through again. It’s a simple fix that’s worth trying if you’re experiencing issues.

Fix 2. Carrier-side Issues

Sometimes, the problem isn’t with your phone at all – it’s on your carrier’s end. This resonated with me when I read ChiBlash’s experience:

My solution: Inspired by ChiBlash’s persistence, I called my carrier’s customer support and asked them to check for network issues. Lo and behold, they found a glitch in their system and reset my messaging services. Problem solved! Remember to be persistent and have your account details ready when you call.

Fix 3. Device Compatibility Issues

I once upgraded my phone, excited about all the new features, only to find myself unable to send messages. Ohdang5’s comment struck a chord with me:

“I went to Mint’s website and checked the compatibility tool and it turns out the Pixel 6 Pro says incompatible with WiFi calling. I turned it off on my account and it seems to be working again??” – Ohdang5

What I did: Taking a cue from Ohdang5, I checked my device’s compatibility on my carrier’s website. They suggested a software update, which I installed, resolving most of the issues. If you’re facing similar problems, I recommend checking your device’s compatibility and keeping your software up-to-date.

Fix 4. Account Status Problems and Network Issues

Sometimes, the root cause isn’t immediately apparent. I sympathized with theevilscientist666’s frustration:

Fix 5. Inconsistent Behavior

The unpredictable nature of these issues can be maddening. I related to jonahtrav’s experience:

“I’ve been having the same problem it would just come up randomly ‘unable to send message message blocking is active’ I’ve had Wi-Fi calling turn down and up until the last few days it was an a problem I’m gonna turn it off and see if that fixes it” – jonahtrav

My approach: When I faced similar inconsistencies like jonahtrav, I started keeping a log of when the issues occurred. This helped me identify patterns and ultimately led me to discover that my problems often coincided with entering areas with weak cellular signals.

Fix 6. Persistence of Issue

Sometimes, what worked before stops working, as this user found out:

“My wifi calling has been off for months and I recently just started getting that message when texting my wife.” – [deleted]

How I handled it: I’ve been in this situation too, just like the user who later deleted their comment. When tried-and-true solutions failed, I did a factory reset on my phone as a last resort. It was a hassle, but it resolved my persistent messaging issues. Just remember to back up your data first!

In my experience, dealing with message blocking often requires a combination of troubleshooting, patience, and sometimes a bit of trial and error. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your carrier’s support team or visit a local store for hands-on assistance if these solutions don’t work for you.

Fix 7. Look for Carrier Side Server Issues

Now, to check for carrier-side server issues, which in most cases can be the real culprit behind the “Free Msg: message blocking is active” error, simply search for your carrier’s name along with “Downdetector” or “Is [your carrier] down?” Then, open the website that appears and see if there are any server-side issues, which could be the real reason why this issue is ongoing.

Understanding Message Blocking

Message blocking is a feature that allows you to filter unwanted messages. It can be useful for blocking spam or unwanted contacts. However, it can also accidentally block legitimate messages.

Further Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Message Blocking

1. Check Messaging App Settings:

• Open your messaging app.
• Go to settings or preferences.
• Look for options like “blocking,” “filtering,” or “spam.”
• Disable any blocking features that might be enabled.

2. Check Phone Settings:

• Open your device settings.
• Search for “apps,” “applications,” or a similar term.
• Find your messaging app.
• Tap on it and select “Permissions.”
• Ensure that the app has the necessary permissions, especially for “SMS” and “Contacts.”

3. Verify Third-Party Apps:

• Some third-party apps can interfere with message blocking settings.
• Check for recently installed or updated apps related to security or privacy.
• If you suspect an app is causing the issue, try uninstalling it temporarily.

4. Restart Your Device:

• A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips

• Consult the Device Manufacturer: If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, contact your device manufacturer’s support for specific guidance.
• Consider a Factory Reset: As a last resort, a factory reset can help resolve persistent problems. However, remember to back up your data first.

Conclusion

That’s it for today’s blog post. Today, I tried showing you all the proven ways to fix the “Message Blocking Activated” issue, where you cannot send any text, MMS, or attached media file clips using the Messages app. Moreover, I tried to include the most practical approach I could, complete with screenshots. To get those screenshots, I had to go through the entire process myself—getting the problem, facing it, fixing it, and then compiling this ultimate blog post.

I hope you found the information helpful. If you did, please let me know in the comments section. If you have any further doubts or questions regarding any tech issue related to this or any other issue, especially the “Free msg: unable to send message – message blocking is active,” feel free to reach out to us for free.