imsg

iMessage/SMS CLI for listing chats, history, and sending messages via Messages.app.

564 stars

Best use case

imsg is best used when you need a repeatable AI agent workflow instead of a one-off prompt.

iMessage/SMS CLI for listing chats, history, and sending messages via Messages.app.

Teams using imsg should expect a more consistent output, faster repeated execution, less prompt rewriting.

When to use this skill

  • You want a reusable workflow that can be run more than once with consistent structure.

When not to use this skill

  • You only need a quick one-off answer and do not need a reusable workflow.
  • You cannot install or maintain the underlying files, dependencies, or repository context.

Installation

Claude Code / Cursor / Codex

$curl -o ~/.claude/skills/imsg/SKILL.md --create-dirs "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/beita6969/ScienceClaw/main/skills/imsg/SKILL.md"

Manual Installation

  1. Download SKILL.md from GitHub
  2. Place it in .claude/skills/imsg/SKILL.md inside your project
  3. Restart your AI agent — it will auto-discover the skill

How imsg Compares

Feature / AgentimsgStandard Approach
Platform SupportNot specifiedLimited / Varies
Context Awareness High Baseline
Installation ComplexityUnknownN/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this skill do?

iMessage/SMS CLI for listing chats, history, and sending messages via Messages.app.

Where can I find the source code?

You can find the source code on GitHub using the link provided at the top of the page.

SKILL.md Source

# imsg

Use `imsg` to read and send iMessage/SMS via macOS Messages.app.

## When to Use

✅ **USE this skill 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

❌ **DON'T use this skill 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 (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

```bash
imsg chats --limit 10 --json
```

### View History

```bash
# 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

```bash
imsg watch --chat-id 1 --attachments
```

### Send Messages

```bash
# 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

User: "Text mom that I'll be late"

```bash
# 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"
```

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