wacli

name	wacli
description	Send WhatsApp messages and search/sync WhatsApp history via the wacli CLI. Use when asked to message someone on WhatsApp or search WhatsApp conversation history. NOT for normal user chats.
alwaysInclude	false
requiredBins	["wacli"]
platforms	["darwin","linux"]

WhatsApp CLI (wacli)

Use wacli to send WhatsApp messages to third parties or search WhatsApp history.

Do NOT use for normal user chats — JaiClaw routes those automatically via the WhatsApp channel adapter.

Install

brew install steipete/tap/wacli
# or
go install github.com/steipete/wacli/cmd/wacli@latest

Safety

• Require explicit recipient + message text
• Confirm recipient and message before sending
• If anything is ambiguous, ask a clarifying question

Setup

wacli auth          # QR login + initial sync
wacli doctor        # Check setup
wacli sync --follow # Continuous sync

Find Chats and Messages

# List recent chats
wacli chats list --limit 20

# Search for a contact
wacli chats list --query "name or number"

# Search messages
wacli messages search "query" --limit 20

# Search in specific chat
wacli messages search "invoice" --chat <jid>

# Search with date range
wacli messages search "invoice" --after 2025-01-01 --before 2025-12-31

Send Messages

# Text message
wacli send text --to "[phone]" --message "Hello!"

# Group message
wacli send text --to "[e-mail]" --message "Running 5 min late."

# File with caption
wacli send file --to "[phone]" --file /path/to/doc.pdf --caption "Agenda"

History Backfill

wacli history backfill --chat <jid> --requests 2 --count 50

Notes

• Store dir: ~/.wacli (override with --store)
• Use --json for machine-readable output
• JIDs: direct = <number>@s.whatsapp.net, groups = <id>@g.us
• Backfill requires phone online; results are best-effort