The “Message Blocking Is Active” SMS error on your phone appears for various reasons. Perhaps you mistyped the number; other reasons like a blocked number or a SIM card issue could lead to the error.

No matter the reason, there are several ways to fix the “Message Blocking Is Active” SMS error.

Open the Phone app’s settings on Android

1. Check the Recipient Number

The first check whenever you run into the “Message Blocking Is Active” error is the recipient’s phone number. Mistyping the number means you’re able to’t send the text message, so double check this.

Also, enter the correct country code if the person you want to text is abroad.

Checked blocked numbers on Android 13

2. Go Through Your Phone’s Blocked Numbers

Another reason why message blocking is active on your phone is because you previously blocked the number. Maybe you blocked the number long ago and forgot about it or accidentally added it to your blocked numbers list.

How to Check Blocked Numbers on Android

If you have an Android device, launch thePhoneapp, tap on thethree-doticon, and selectSettings. Then, go toBlock numbersand check if the number you want to text is on the list.

How to Check Blocked Numbers on iOS

On an iOS device, open the Settings menu and go toPhone > Blocked Contacts. There, selectEditand tap theUnblockbutton next to any phone number you want to unblock.

3. Reinsert Your SIM Card

If you can’t make any phone calls either, something might be wrong with your SIM card or SIM card port. Turn off your phone and remove the SIM card. Inspect the SIM card and port to check for visible damages such as stains, scratches, or other visible damage. If there is visible damage, you may need a new SIM card. Trying your SIM card in another device is handy way to check that your device port is the culprit, but this option isn’t available to everyone, unfortunately.

If you own an Android dual SIM phone, check the SIM hasn’t been disabled. Go toSettings > Connectionsand selectSIM Settings. Then, turn on the toggle next to the SIM card you’re currently using.

Settings menu on an iPhone

You can also try the same fix for iOS. Open theSettingsmenu, go toCellularorMobile, and tap on your eSIM. Then, disable and enable the toggle next toTurn On This Line.

If tweaking SIM settings didn’t work, you may try turning airplane mode on and off (this works for both iOS and Android). You’ll reset your device’s cellular network connections and fix the issue. If you still get the “Message Blocking Is Active"error, there’s a chance you will need a new SIM card. In this case, contact your carrier and ask for a replacement.

Phone settings on an iPhone

4. Turn On Automatic Date and Time

If your phone shows the incorrect date and time, it may interfere with its ability to send text messages. Most of the time, you have to enable automatic date and time to fix the issue.

Open the Settings menu for Android and go toGeneral Management > Date & time. Tap onDate & timeand tap the toggle switch next toAutomatic date & time.

Swipe left on a Blocked Contact and tap Unblock

On iOS, go to the phone’s settings and selectGeneral > Date & Time. Then, enable theSet Automaticallyoption.

5. Reset Your Network Settings

If you’re still getting the “Message Blocking Is Active"error, there might be something with your device’s network settings. You canreset all network settings on Androidand check if the issue is solved. Within the Android Settings menu, head toGeneral Management > Reset. There, tap onReset network settings.

The same goes for iOS; an incorrect network setting might be the reason for the issue. You canreset your iPhone’s network settingswith just a few taps.

Open theSettingsmenu and go toGeneral > Transfer or Reset iPhone. SelectResetand tap onReset Network Settings.

6. Clear the Messages App Cache

If you’re able to’t find anything wrong with your SIM card or port, try deleting the Messages app cache. If the cache exceeds the storage limit or somehow gets corrupted, it might lead to a message blocking error.

How to Clear Messages App Cache on Android

First, know that deleting the Android Messages app cache will not remove any of your messages. Instead, it will delete temporary information that you no longer need. Here’s how you can delete the Android Messages app cache:

How to Clear Messages App Cache on iOS

While you can clear app caches on iOS and iPadOS, not every app has the option. So, while you candelete the cache for YouTubeor Safari, you can’t delete the iOS Messages app cache. However, you can reinstall the Messages app if you think its data is corrupted or too much data is stored.