How do I install the messages mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

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Messages MCP Server

Fuzzy search and browse Apple Messages/iMessage from CLI or MCP server

Local serverstdio

What is the Messages MCP Server?

Fuzzy search and browse Apple Messages/iMessage from CLI or MCP server

The short version

Fuzzy search and browse Apple Messages (iMessage/SMS) from the command line, as a Claude Code plugin, or as an MCP server.

Fuzzy search — with typo tolerance across all your messages
Browse recent — messages, contacts, and conversations
Contact resolution — - shows names instead of phone numbers
Context display — - see messages before/after each match
Filter by sender — or date range
Auto-indexing — - index automatically rebuilds when new messages are detected

What it needs from you

macOS (reads from Apple Messages database) - Node.js 22+ - Full Disk Access permission for your terminal (to read ~/Library/Messages/chat.db)

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

How to install the Messages MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "messages": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@cardmagic/messages",
        "--mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

From the project documentation. Replace placeholders and example paths before connecting.

Configuration

macOS (reads from Apple Messages database) - Node.js 22+ - Full Disk Access permission for your terminal (to read ~/Library/Messages/chat.db)

Example prompts to try

“Use Messages to Homebrew.”

Frequently asked questions

Fuzzy search and browse Apple Messages/iMessage from CLI or MCP server Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.