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iMessage Setup

Connect your agent to iMessage for Apple ecosystem messaging.

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How iMessage Connection Works

Your agent connects to iMessage using your Apple ID credentials. Once authenticated, it can send and receive both iMessages (to other Apple devices) and SMS messages (relayed through your Apple account). This gives your agent access to the same messaging capabilities you have on your iPhone or Mac.

How to Connect iMessage

iMessage setup happens after your agent finishes onboarding. Open the Console and run:

openclaw channels add

Then select iMessage, or run directly:

openclaw channels login imessage

The console will prompt you for your Apple ID email and password.

What You Need

  • An Apple ID with iMessage enabled.
  • Access to a trusted Apple device for two-factor authentication (if enabled).
  • Your Apple ID email and password.

Two-Factor Authentication

If your Apple ID uses two-factor authentication (which is recommended), you will need to:

  1. Enter your Apple ID email and password in the console
  2. Approve the sign-in from one of your trusted Apple devices
  3. Return to the console and enter the verification code when prompted

After Setup

Your agent can receive and respond to iMessages and SMS messages sent to your Apple ID. Contacts who message you through iMessage will receive replies from your agent automatically.

iMessage sessions can require periodic re-authentication, especially after Apple ID password changes or security events. If your agent loses its iMessage connection, the Activity feed will show authentication errors. Repeat the setup process above to re-authenticate.

Important: BlueBubbles Alternative

For new iMessage integrations, OpenClaw recommends using BlueBubbles (a community-maintained relay) instead of the legacy direct iMessage integration. BlueBubbles is more reliable and requires access to a Mac instead of your Apple credentials. Ask for details in the Console.

Security

Your Apple ID credentials are stored inside your agent’s isolated container and are not accessible to other users or systems on the platform. Each agent runs in its own dedicated environment with private storage.

For all channel management commands, see OpenClaw Commands.