imsg

imsg

When to Use

• 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

• 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 "+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 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

# 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"