messages

messages

Fuzzy search and browse Apple Messages using the messages CLI tool.

Installation

If the messages CLI is not installed, install it:

git clone https://github.com/cardmagic/messages.git
cd messages && make install

Requirements:

• macOS with Apple Messages
• Node.js 22+
• Full Disk Access for terminal (System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access)

Browse Commands

Browse recent messages and conversations (no search query needed):

# Show most recent messages (answers "who texted me?")
messages recent

# List contacts by recent activity
messages contacts --limit 10

# List conversations with message counts
messages conversations

# Show recent messages from/to a specific person
messages from "John"

# Show full conversation thread with someone
messages thread "John" --after 2024-12-01

Search Commands

Fuzzy search through message content with typo tolerance:

# Rebuild index and search (recommended for first use or after new messages)
messages index-and-search "search query"

# Search with filters
messages search "query" --from "John"
messages search "query" --after 2024-06-01
messages search "query" --limit 25
messages search "query" --context 5

# Combine filters
messages search "dinner" --from "Mom" --after 2024-01-01 --limit 15

Filtering tips: Sender filter supports partial matches (--from "John" matches "John Smith") and phone numbers (--from "+1555"). Use quotes around multi-word search terms: "dinner plans".

Utility Commands

# Check index stats (message count, date range, etc.)
messages stats

# Rebuild index only (without searching)
messages index