imsg
Use imsg to read and send iMessage/SMS via macOS Messages.app.
When to Use
Use 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
Do not use when:
- Telegram messages -> use
messagetool withchannel:telegram - Signal messages -> use Signal channel if configured
- WhatsApp messages -> use WhatsApp channel if configured
- Discord messages -> use
messagetool withchannel:discord - Slack messages -> use
slackskill - Group chat management (adding/removing members) -> not supported
- Bulk/mass messaging -> always confirm with user first
- Replying in current conversation -> just reply normally (OpenClaw 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 --jsonView History
# By chat ID
imsg history --chat-id 1 --limit 20 --json
# With attachments info
imsg history --chat-id 1 --limit 20 --attachments --jsonWatch for New Messages
imsg watch --chat-id 1 --attachmentsSend Messages
# Text only
imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Hello!"
# With attachment
imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Check this out" --file /path/to/image.jpg
# Specify service
imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Hi" --service imessage
imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "Hi" --service smsService 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"
# 1. Find mom's chat
imsg chats --limit 20 --json | jq '.[] | select(.displayName | contains("Mom"))'
# 2. Confirm with user
# "Found Mom at +1555123456. Send 'I'll be late' via iMessage?"
# 3. Send after confirmation
imsg send --to "+1555123456" --text "I'll be late"
