SOLUTION for "Free Msg: Unable to Send Message - Message Blocking is active" and VPN Connection Issues on Google Pixel 6 Pro

After 9 days of utter frustration dealing with the error message “Free Msg: Unable to Send Message - Message blocking is active” when trying to send an SMS text. Another issue I was having was connecting to the mobile network while also connected to my VPN.

While all 15 support people have been nice, none were able to fix my issue. I ended up getting a replacement SIM which did nothing. My case was escalated twice… again, nothing from that.

I wanted to share what worked for me in fixing both of these issues on my new Google Pixel 6 Pro.

First, this phone does not seem to have the ability to use WiFi calling. I enabled it on Mint when I got my new phone and went through the process of enabling it on my phone. The settings are there and there is a toggle switch to turn it on, so I thought it would work. Apparently, this phone does not have wifi calling functionality, so the setting that says “Use Wi-Fi Calling” should be OFF. If you leave it on and set the option below for “Calling Preference” to either “call over Wi-fi” or “call over mobile network” you will get errors when sending SMS.

To get to this option, go to SETTINGS > NETWORK & INTERNET > SIMS > WI-FI CALLING. Make sure that is turned off.

You can check to see if your phone is compatible here: https://www.mintmobile.com/features/wifi-calling-text/

The next issue was the use of my VPN when on the mobile network. What seems to have worked the best are the following APN settings:

Name: T-Mobile

APN: Fast.t-mobile.com (for LTE devices) or epc.tmobile.com (for non-LTE devices)

Proxy:

Port:

Username:

Password:

Server:

MMSC: http://mms.msg.eng.t-mobile.com/mms/wapenc

MMS proxy:

MMS port:

MMS protocol: WAP 2.0

MCC: 310

MNC: 240

Authentication Type:

APN Type: default,supl,mms OR Internet+MMS

Default Android provides a text field to enter: default,supl,mms.

Samsung provides an Internet+MMS radio button to select.

APN Protocol: IPv4/IPv6

APN roaming protocol: IPv4/IPv6 or IPv4 only when roaming internationally

Turn APN on/off: Grayed out unless there are multiple APNs

Bearer: Unspecified

**I did not have the option for “MMS Protocol” so I left that one out and it still worked.

You want to make sure you type everything EXACTLY how it is written, being very careful with upper and lower case letters.

I hope this helps someone in here. I know many have been getting the same errors.

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MNC has to match the digits (partially) on your sim card, so it will NOT be 240 for everyone.

Omg this fixed my issue with texting! Thanks so much! It seems really weird though that Wi-Fi calling would make any difference

so it made my internet work again but not talk and text… hmmm

Is this still working for you? I’ve had this issue for weeks on my P6, but I’m not using a VPN.

I’m sure that’s true. Most of the other APN configurations say 260 actually, but when I use that one, it won’t save. I’ve found just leaving it at 260 works.

I fixed it by turning off wifi calling. That function is not available on the pixel 6 pro apparently. Not sure if that’s just when using the Mint network or not. Right now I’m unable to make phone calls or hold on to phone calls when I’m close to my router. I don’t have the wifi calling enabled, and I drop calls whether my Mint service is on or not. So utterly frustrating!!!

It won’t save if it doesn’t match what’s printed on your sim card, that’s my point.

I tried this, and unfortunately, it didn’t fix it for me. I’m still waiting on support.

That makes sense and is exactly what I found as well.

I’m so sorry. I’m utterly frustrated as well. Praying you get a resolution that works. Please let me know if you do.