iMessage MCP Server

Explore your iMessage history easily with smart tools.

README.md

📨 imessage-mcp - Explore Your iMessage History Easily


📝 What is imessage-mcp?

imessage-mcp lets you look through your iMessage history using smart tools. It helps you understand your conversations by showing stats, searching messages, and tracking chat patterns. The program runs a server on Mac computers to keep your message data safe and private. This app works in read-only mode, so it never changes your messages.

You do not need technical skills to use this software. It shows your texts in a simple, clear way. Think of it as a way to see your own messaging habits and find old chats quickly.


💻 System Requirements

  • A Mac running macOS Big Sur (11.0) or later
  • Access to your iMessage database on your Mac
  • Basic knowledge of downloading files and running simple programs
  • Internet connection (for downloading and updates)

The app reads your message data but works without changing any files. It does not require permission from Apple or complicated setup steps.


🎯 Key Features

  • Search your entire iMessage history by keywords or contacts
  • View conversation analytics like message counts and streaks
  • Get simple stats on who you message most and when
  • See visual summaries of your texting habits over time
  • Use built-in tools powered by AI to help understand chat patterns
  • Keep your data private with a local read-only server on your Mac

🚀 Getting Started

Start by downloading the software package from the releases page. The steps below guide you through download, installation, and setup.

  1. Go to the releases page:
    Visit imessage-mcp Releases to get the latest version.

  2. Choose the latest release:
    Look for the newest version listed at the top of the page. It will have files designed for macOS.

  3. Download the macOS version:
    Click on the file that ends with .dmg or .zip designed for Mac computers. Save it to your computer.

  4. Open the downloaded file:
    If it is a .dmg, double-click it to mount the app. For .zip files, unzip them first.

  5. Move the app to your Applications folder:
    Drag the app into the Applications folder to install it properly.

  6. Open the app:
    Find imessage-mcp in your Applications folder or search via Spotlight. Open it.

  7. Grant access to your messages:
    When the app asks, allow it to read your iMessage database. This only allows it to show your data.

Once installed, the app runs a small server on your Mac. You can then open a web browser to explore your messages using the app’s interface.


🔧 How to Use imessage-mcp

After installation:

  • Open your web browser (Safari, Chrome, or Firefox).
  • Enter http://localhost:8080 in the browser’s address bar. This connects to the app’s server.
  • Use the menu to search your messages or see conversation summaries.
  • Click on contacts to view chat details and analytics.

The interface is easy to use. Menus and buttons help you find exactly what you want without needed programming knowledge.


🛠 Troubleshooting

  • App won’t open:
    Check that you followed the steps to move imessage-mcp to the Applications folder. Try restarting your computer.

  • No messages shown:
    Make sure you gave permission for the app to read your iMessage database. Check macOS Privacy settings under “Full Disk Access.”

  • Browser can’t connect to server:
    Confirm imessage-mcp is running. Look for the app icon in your Mac’s menu bar.

  • App crashed or froze:
    Close it and reopen the app. Check that your macOS version meets the minimum requirement.

  • Errors about missing files:
    Redownload the release and try installing again.


📥 Download and Installation Summary

You can visit the releases page at the link below to download the software package.

Follow these steps to install:

  • Download the latest .dmg or .zip file for macOS
  • Open and drag the app to Applications
  • Launch the app and allow message access
  • Open your browser and go to http://localhost:8080 to explore

📚 Additional Information

imessage-mcp uses your Mac’s local data. It does not send your conversations anywhere. This keeps your information private.

The app supports common message features including SMS and iMessage texts. It reads your messages from the built-in Apple database format, which uses SQLite. The interface allows you to analyze your texting patterns over days, weeks, or months.

Tools 3

search_messagesSearch through iMessage history by keywords or contacts.
get_conversation_statsView conversation analytics like message counts and streaks.
get_chat_patternsAnalyze texting habits and visual summaries over time.

Try it

Search my messages for any mention of 'dinner' from last week.
Show me my messaging statistics with my most frequent contact.
Analyze my texting patterns over the last month to see when I am most active.
Find the last conversation I had with John and summarize the key topics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of iMessage MCP?

Search entire iMessage history by keywords or contacts. View conversation analytics including message counts and streaks. Generate visual summaries of texting habits over time. Local, read-only server architecture ensures data privacy. AI-powered analysis of chat patterns.

What can I use iMessage MCP for?

Quickly finding specific information or links shared in past iMessage conversations. Analyzing personal communication habits to improve digital well-being. Reviewing conversation history with specific contacts for context. Tracking messaging streaks and activity levels over long periods.

How do I install iMessage MCP?

Install iMessage MCP by running: Download the .zip or .dmg from the releases page, move to Applications, and grant Full Disk Access.

What MCP clients work with iMessage MCP?

iMessage MCP works with any MCP-compatible client including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, and other editors with MCP support.

Turn this server into reusable context

Keep iMessage MCP docs, env vars, and workflow notes in Conare so your agent carries them across sessions.

Open Conare