imessage

Send and retrieve iMessage/SMS messages via the imsg CLI on macOS.

Updated May 16, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/jaredcroxton/hermes-mirror --skill imessage-jaredcroxton
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: imessage
Source: https://github.com/jaredcroxton/hermes-mirror/tree/main/agents/skills/apple/imessage
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jaredcroxton/hermes-mirror --skill imessage-jaredcroxton

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It removes the friction of manually messaging and searching your macOS Messages history by letting you send texts and inspect recent conversations through an automated CLI workflow.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Send iMessages or SMS: Compose and deliver a message to a phone number or Apple ID, optionally forcing iMessage vs SMS when needed (e.g., “text mom that I’ll be late”).
  • List and view chat history: Retrieve recent chats and drill into a specific chat’s messages, including attachment metadata for context.
  • Watch for new messages: Monitor a chat for incoming messages to stay responsive without constantly opening Messages.app.

Quick Start

Send the user’s provided text to the specified recipient by asking: “Using imsg, list recent chats for confirmation and then send ‘Hello!’ to +14155551212 as iMessage.”

Frequently Asked Questions about imessage

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I send iMessages from a macOS command line interface?

You can automate sending iMessages from a macOS CLI by using the imsg command to interact with Messages.app, specifying a recipient and message text. This removes the friction of manually opening the app to send texts.

Can I retrieve iMessage chat history including attachment metadata via terminal?

Yes, you can retrieve iMessage chat history via the macOS terminal by running the imsg command to list recent chats and drill into specific conversations, optionally including attachment metadata for added context.

Do I need Full Disk Access to automate SMS and iMessage workflows on macOS?

Yes, automating SMS and iMessage workflows requires granting Full Disk Access and Messages.app automation consent. You also need a macOS environment with Messages.app signed in and the imsg command installed.

How do I monitor a chat for new incoming iMessages without opening the app?

You can monitor a chat for new incoming iMessages by using the watch functionality of the imsg CLI. This allows you to stay responsive to new messages without constantly opening and checking the Messages.app interface.

Can I force a message to send as SMS instead of iMessage through automation?

Yes, you can force a message to send as SMS instead of iMessage through automation. The imsg CLI supports sending individual messages with optional service selection to choose between iMessage and SMS delivery.