Error: " Free Msg: Unable to send message - Message Blocking is active"

[shellie petty]

Trying to send a txt to a 5 diget numerical recipient (like for a poll). Getting this:
Free Msg: Unable to send message - Message Blocking is active.
MetroPCS, LG STYLO 3 PLUS
I'll try to attach screenshot if allowed.

 

[Mimmzy]

I have seen that before and it was a weird feature that snuck into the backend system to prevent third party bills to your account for texts.

Oftentimes prepaid services do not allow you to text anything that will charge the phone number for a service, as you pay in advance and they have no way to bill you for what you did on the phone. MetroPCS is 100% prepaid, so if this is not a free service that is why.

If it is free, swing by a store or call their customer service and ask them to take off any blocks they have on their system for messaging access.

Also, if none of that works I have one time seen a new SIM card fix that issue as well.