imsg

SKILL.md

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 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 (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 --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

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"