iMessage
AI from your iPhone's Messages app
OpenClaw iMessage Integration
Talk to your AI assistant through iMessage — the app that's already on every iPhone, iPad, and Mac. No new apps to install, no accounts to create. Just open Messages and start chatting.
How It Works
OpenClaw connects to macOS Messages.app using AppleScript and the imsg CLI tool. When you send a message to your Mac's number or Apple ID, OpenClaw receives it and replies — all through the native Messages infrastructure.
Requirements:
- macOS machine running OpenClaw (Mac Mini is ideal)
- Messages.app signed in with your Apple ID
- iMessage enabled on both devices
Setup
Step 1: Install the imsg Skill
openclaw skill install imsgThis installs the iMessage CLI that bridges Messages.app and OpenClaw.
Step 2: Configure OpenClaw
channels: imessage: enabled: true allowedContacts: - "+1234567890" # Your phone number - "you@example.com" # Your Apple ID # Or allow all contacts on your machine: # allowAll: trueStep 3: Start OpenClaw
openclaw gateway startStep 4: Test It
From your iPhone, send an iMessage to your Mac's Apple ID or phone number. Your assistant should respond within seconds.
Sending Messages
Hey, what's on my calendar today?→ You have 3 meetings: 10am standup, 2pm client call, 4pm design reviewRemind me to send the invoice at 5pm→ Reminder set for 5:00 PMCreate a task: Review Q1 numbers→ Task created in Todoist ✓Voice Notes
Send a voice message via iMessage — OpenClaw automatically transcribes it using Whisper and processes the request:
- Record voice note in Messages.app
- OpenClaw receives the audio
- Whisper transcribes to text
- Request is processed and replied to
macOS Only
iMessage integration is macOS-specific — it requires Messages.app running on your host machine.
For cross-platform messaging, use Telegram or WhatsApp instead — both work on all platforms.
Privacy
All message processing happens locally on your Mac:
- No messages sent to third parties
- Full end-to-end encryption via Apple's infrastructure
- Messages.app access controlled by macOS permissions
Troubleshooting
Not receiving messages?
- Verify Messages.app is open and signed in
- Check OpenClaw has Accessibility permission in System Preferences
- Ensure iMessage is enabled (not just SMS)
Slow responses?
- AppleScript can be slow on first run — give it 5-10 seconds
- Subsequent messages are faster once warmed up
Replies going to wrong thread?
- Check allowedContacts matches the sender's exact Apple ID or number
Features
Native Messages.app
No third-party apps — works through Apple's built-in Messages
iPhone and Mac
Send from any Apple device connected to the same Apple ID
Voice note support
Send voice messages that get automatically transcribed
Contact filtering
Allow specific contacts or open to all
macOS automation
Combine with Calendar, Reminders, and other macOS apps
Full privacy
All processing local — iMessage end-to-end encryption preserved
Use Cases
On-the-go assistant
Quick questions and tasks from your iPhone without opening any new app
Voice commands
Send voice notes for hands-free AI interaction
Family tasks
Create reminders and tasks for everyone in your household
Mac automation
Trigger macOS automations and workflows from your iPhone
Setup Guide
Requirements
- ✓Mac running macOS (required for the bridge)
- ✓iMessage enabled and signed in
- ✓Phone number or iCloud email for the assistant
- ✓OpenClaw running on the same Mac
Set up a dedicated Apple ID
Create or use an Apple ID for your assistant. This will be the 'sender' of AI responses.
Enable Messages on Mac
Sign into Messages with the assistant's Apple ID on your Mac.
Install the iMessage bridge
OpenClaw uses a local bridge to interact with Messages. This runs alongside the main process.
Configure permissions
Grant OpenClaw access to read/write Messages through macOS security settings.
Test the connection
Send a message from your personal Apple ID to the assistant's Apple ID.
Limitations
- ⚠️Requires a Mac that's always on
- ⚠️Setup is more complex than other channels
- ⚠️Apple ID needed for the assistant's number
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Mac need to stay on?
Yes, the Mac running OpenClaw needs to be on and logged in for iMessage to work.
Can I use my own phone number?
We recommend a separate Apple ID to keep assistant messages separate. You can use a virtual number or secondary device.
Does it work with SMS too?
If you have SMS forwarding enabled on your Mac, it can handle SMS as well as iMessage.
Is this against Apple's terms?
OpenClaw uses approved macOS APIs to interact with Messages. It's a local automation, not a third-party service.
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