shellmail

Email API for AI agents. Check inbox, read emails, extract OTP codes, search messages via ShellMail. Trigger on "check email", "inbox", "otp", "verification code", "shellmail", or any email-related requests.

3,891 stars

Best use case

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

Email API for AI agents. Check inbox, read emails, extract OTP codes, search messages via ShellMail. Trigger on "check email", "inbox", "otp", "verification code", "shellmail", or any email-related requests.

Teams using shellmail 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/shellmail/SKILL.md --create-dirs "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/openclaw/skills/main/skills/aaronbatchelder/shellmail/SKILL.md"

Manual Installation

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

How shellmail Compares

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this skill do?

Email API for AI agents. Check inbox, read emails, extract OTP codes, search messages via ShellMail. Trigger on "check email", "inbox", "otp", "verification code", "shellmail", or any email-related requests.

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.

Related Guides

SKILL.md Source

# ShellMail

Email for AI agents via shellmail.ai. Create inboxes, receive mail, extract OTPs automatically.

## ⚠️ Security & Privacy Notice

**This skill requires a sensitive `SHELLMAIL_TOKEN` that grants full access to your inbox and OTPs.**

When you set up this skill for the first time, you'll be instructed to save the token into agent configuration using `gateway config.patch`. This means:
- The agent will retain persistent access to your ShellMail inbox
- The token remains active until you explicitly revoke it or remove it from config
- Only proceed if you fully trust shellmail.ai and understand these privacy implications

**Best practices:**
- Use ShellMail for agent-related activities only, not personal email
- Use disposable/separate recovery emails when possible
- Review the `gateway config.patch` command output before confirming
- Revoke access when you no longer need this skill

## First-Time Setup

If no token is configured:

1. Ask user for desired email name (e.g., "atlas") and a recovery email
   - Or use `auto` for the name to generate a random address (e.g., "swift-reef-4821")
2. Run: `{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh create <name> <recovery_email>`
3. If the address is already taken:
   - If the user says it was their old address: try creating with the same recovery email — deleted addresses are held for 14 days and can be reclaimed
   - Otherwise: suggest a different name or use `auto`
   - Do NOT suggest recovery unless the user confirms it's their previous inbox
4. Save the returned token:

```
gateway config.patch {"skills":{"entries":{"shellmail":{"env":{"SHELLMAIL_TOKEN":"sm_..."}}}}}
```

   **⚠️ Important:** Before running this command, explain to the user:
   - This saves the token into agent configuration for persistent access
   - The agent will retain access to their inbox/OTPs until the token is removed or revoked
   - They should only proceed if they trust shellmail.ai and understand the privacy implications
   - Show them the exact command and ask for confirmation before executing

5. Tell user to save the token safely — it won't be shown again
6. Suggest user send a test email to their new address to verify it's working
7. Once they confirm, run `inbox` to show the test email arrived

## Token Recovery

Only use recovery if the user explicitly says they lost access to an existing inbox they own:

```bash
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh recover <address@shellmail.ai> <recovery_email>
```

This sends a new token to the recovery email on file. Do not suggest this for "address taken" errors.

## Commands

```bash
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh <command>
```

### Check Inbox
```bash
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh inbox
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh inbox --unread
```

### Read Email
```bash
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh read <email_id>
```

### Get OTP Code
```bash
# Get latest OTP
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh otp

# Wait up to 30 seconds for OTP
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh otp --wait 30

# Filter by sender
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh otp --wait 30 --from github.com
```

### Search Emails
```bash
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh search --query "verification"
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh search --otp
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh search --from stripe.com
```

### Other Commands
```bash
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh mark-read <id>
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh archive <id>
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh delete <id>
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh health
```

## Common Patterns

**User says "check my email":**
```bash
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh inbox --unread
```

**User says "get the verification code":**
```bash
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh otp --wait 30
```

**User says "wait for GitHub OTP":**
```bash
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh otp --wait 30 --from github.com
```

## Revoking Access

If the user wants to revoke the skill's access to their ShellMail inbox:

### Remove Token from Config
```bash
gateway config.patch '{"skills":{"entries":{"shellmail":{"env":{"SHELLMAIL_TOKEN":""}}}}}'
```

### Delete Account Entirely
```bash
{baseDir}/scripts/shellmail.sh delete-account
```

**Note:** Deleted addresses enter a 14-day hold window and can only be reclaimed by the original owner using the recovery email.

## API Reference

Base URL: `https://shellmail.ai`

All endpoints use `Authorization: Bearer $SHELLMAIL_TOKEN`

| Endpoint | Method | Description |
|----------|--------|-------------|
| `/api/mail` | GET | List emails (?unread=true&limit=50) |
| `/api/mail/:id` | GET | Read full email |
| `/api/mail/:id` | PATCH | Update {is_read, is_archived} |
| `/api/mail/:id` | DELETE | Delete email |
| `/api/mail/otp` | GET | Get OTP (?timeout=30000&from=domain) |
| `/api/mail/search` | GET | Search (?q=text&from=domain&has_otp=true) |
| `/api/addresses` | POST | Create {local, recovery_email} |

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