imsg

List, retrieve, and send iMessage and SMS messages via macOS Messages.app.

Updated Apr 8, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/JOHNNYWHITEMIKE/openclaw --skill imsg-johnnywhitemike
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: imsg
Source: https://github.com/JOHNNYWHITEMIKE/openclaw/tree/main/openclaw/.openclaw/openclaw/skills/imsg
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/JOHNNYWHITEMIKE/openclaw --skill imsg-johnnywhitemike

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

The imsg skill removes friction from managing iMessage/SMS chats by letting you list conversations, review message history, and send messages without manually using the Messages app UI.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Chat discovery and listing: Find relevant conversations quickly and inspect them in structured output.
  • Message history and attachments: Retrieve recent messages by chat and include attachment information when needed.
  • Watch and send workflows: Monitor a conversation for new messages and send texts (optionally with files) to a phone number or Apple ID.

Quick Start

Ask to list your most recent chats as JSON for faster filtering and decision-making, for example: Run imsg chats --limit 10 --json.

Frequently Asked Questions about imsg

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I send iMessage and SMS from the command line?

You can send iMessage and SMS from the command line by using the imsg binary to route outbound messages to phone numbers or Apple IDs via macOS Messages.app, with optional service selection flags and file attachments.

Can I retrieve iMessage chat history and attachments via CLI?

Yes, retrieving iMessage chat history and attachments via CLI is supported by listing conversations and fetching recent messages with structured output that includes attachment information for specific chats.

What macOS permissions are required to monitor iMessage chats from the terminal?

Monitoring iMessage chats from the terminal requires the imsg binary to have macOS automation and full-disk-access permissions to interact with Messages.app and read message data.

Is there a way to watch a specific iMessage conversation for new messages in real time?

Yes, you can watch a specific iMessage conversation for new messages in real time using the watch workflow, which monitors chats and retrieves incoming texts without needing the Messages app UI.

Does sending SMS through macOS automation support adding file attachments?

Yes, sending SMS through macOS automation supports adding file attachments, allowing you to include files when sending outbound texts to a phone number or Apple ID from your CLI.

What is the best way to filter and list recent iMessage chats for automation?

The best way to filter and list recent iMessage chats for automation is requesting structured output like JSON, which enables faster decision-making and integration by returning chat data in a machine-readable format.