| name | imsg |
| description | iMessage/SMS CLI for listing chats, history, and sending messages via Messages.app. |
| homepage | https://imsg.to |
imsg
Use imsg to read and send iMessage/SMS via macOS Messages.app.
Limitations
- Group chat management (adding/removing members) is not supported
- macOS only
Requirements
- macOS with Messages.app signed in
- Full Disk Access for terminal
- Automation permission for Messages.app (for sending)
Common Commands
List Chats
imsg chats --limit 10 --json
View History
imsg history --chat-id 1 --limit 20 --json
imsg history --chat-id 1 --limit 20 --attachments --json
imsg history --chat-id 1 --start 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z --json
Watch for New Messages
imsg watch --chat-id 1 --attachments
imsg watch --chat-id 1 --debounce 250ms
Send Messages
imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Hello!"
imsg send --chat-id 86 --text "Hello!"
imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Check this out" --file /path/to/image.jpg
imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Hi" --service imessage
imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Hi" --service sms
Service Options
--service imessage — Force iMessage (requires recipient has iMessage)
--service sms — Force SMS (green bubble)
--service auto — Let Messages.app decide (default)
Safety Rules
- Always confirm recipient and message content before sending
- Never send to unknown numbers without explicit user approval
- Be careful with attachments — confirm file path exists
- Rate limit yourself — don't spam
Example Workflow
User: "Text mom that I'll be late"
imsg chats --limit 20 --json | jq '.[] | select(.displayName | contains("Mom"))'
imsg send --to "+1555123456" --text "I'll be late"