The notification “message blocking is active” on an Android device indicates that the device is currently preventing the receipt or sending of text messages (SMS) and potentially multimedia messages (MMS) to or from specific contacts, or all contacts, based on configured settings. This functionality is designed to filter unwanted communication. For example, a user might enable message blocking for a known spam number, thus preventing further texts from that source.
The importance of this functionality lies in its ability to provide users with control over their communication channels. It mitigates the nuisance of unsolicited messages, reduces the risk of falling victim to scams delivered via SMS, and can be used for managing children’s device usage. Historically, filtering options were limited, requiring third-party applications. Modern operating systems, however, integrate such controls directly into the messaging application or device settings.