imsg

name	imsg
description	iMessage/SMS CLI for listing chats, history, and sending messages via Messages.app.
homepage	https://imsg.to
metadata	{"openclaw":{"emoji":"📨","os":["darwin"],"requires":{"bins":["imsg"]},"install":[{"id":"brew","kind":"brew","formula":"steipete/tap/imsg","bins":["imsg"],"label":"Install imsg (brew)"}]}}
category	comms
maturity	stable
tags	["imessage","sms","macos","messages-app","cli"]

imsg

Use imsg to read and send iMessage/SMS via macOS Messages.app.

When to Use

✅ USE this skill when:

• User explicitly asks to send iMessage or SMS
• Reading iMessage conversation history
• Checking recent Messages.app chats
• Sending to phone numbers or Apple IDs

When NOT to Use

❌ DON'T use this skill when:

• Telegram messages → use message tool with channel:telegram
• Signal messages → use Signal channel if configured
• WhatsApp messages → use WhatsApp channel if configured
• Discord messages → use message tool with channel:discord
• Slack messages → use slack skill
• Group chat management (adding/removing members) → not supported
• Bulk/mass messaging → always confirm with user first
• Replying in current conversation → just reply normally (Clawdbot routes automatically)

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

# By chat ID
imsg history --chat-id 1 --limit 20 --json

# With attachments info
imsg history --chat-id 1 --limit 20 --attachments --json

Watch for New Messages

imsg watch --chat-id 1 --attachments

Send Messages

# Text only
imsg send --to "[phone]" --text "Hello!"

# With attachment
imsg send --to "[phone]" --text "Check this out" --file /path/to/image.jpg

# Specify service
imsg send --to "[phone]" --text "Hi" --service imessage
imsg send --to "[phone]" --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

1. Always confirm recipient and message content before sending
2. Never send to unknown numbers without explicit user approval
3. Be careful with attachments — confirm file path exists
4. Rate limit yourself — don't spam

Example Workflow

User: "Text mom that I'll be late"

# 1. Find mom's chat
imsg chats --limit 20 --json | jq '.[] | select(.displayName | contains("Mom"))'

# 2. Confirm with user
# "Found Mom at [phone]. Send 'I'll be late' via iMessage?"

# 3. Send after confirmation
imsg send --to "[phone]" --text "I'll be late"