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imsg

Automate iMessage and SMS tasks from the macOS terminal.

Updated Mar 4, 2026
Search Tags:#automation#cli#macos#messages#imessage#chat-history#imsg
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/UselessXu/mino --skill imsg-uselessxu
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: imsg
Source: https://github.com/UselessXu/mino/tree/main/.claude/skills/imsg
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/UselessXu/mino --skill imsg-uselessxu

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Manage iMessage and SMS from the terminal, reducing context switching and manual tapping in Messages.app.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • List chats: imsg chats --limit 10 --json
  • Fetch chat history: imsg history --chat-id 1 --limit 20 --attachments --json
  • Watch a chat: imsg watch --chat-id 1 --attachments
  • Send a message: imsg send --to "+14155551212" --text "hi" --file /path/pic.jpg
  • Use case: integrate with scripts to automate messaging workflows, or monitor important chats from a terminal.

Quick Start

Run imsg to list chats, then use imsg history or imsg send to interact.

Frequently Asked Questions about imsg

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I send iMessage or SMS from the terminal?▼

You can send iMessage or SMS from the terminal using the command line. By executing `imsg send` with a recipient number and text, you can automate messaging workflows directly from your macOS terminal without opening Messages.app.

Can I view iMessage chat history and attachments via command line?▼

Yes, you can view iMessage chat history via command line. Using `imsg history` with a specific chat ID retrieves message logs and attachments, outputting the data in JSON format for easy integration with scripts.

What macOS permissions are required to automate iMessage tasks?▼

Automating iMessage tasks requires specific macOS permissions. You must be signed into Messages.app, grant Full Disk Access, and provide Automation permission to allow terminal scripts to interact with and control your messages.

How do I monitor or watch an iMessage chat in real time?▼

To monitor an iMessage chat in real time, use the `imsg watch` command. By specifying a chat ID, you can continuously watch a chat and receive live updates, including attachments, directly in your terminal.

Does this iMessage command line tool work on Linux or Windows?▼

No, this iMessage command line tool does not work on Linux or Windows. It is applied specifically on macOS where the native Messages.app is available, sign-in is active, and system automation is permitted.

How do I list all iMessage chats from the command line?▼

To list all iMessage chats from the command line, use the `imsg chats` command. You can limit the number of returned chats and output the results as JSON, which helps in identifying chat IDs for further history or messaging operations.

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