tomevault-io messages
Fuzzy search through 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)
Triggers
Use this skill when user asks about:
- Finding or searching text messages
- Looking up conversations or chats
- Finding what someone said in iMessage
- Searching message history
- Who texted recently, recent messages, contacts
Proactive triggers: "find text", "search messages", "what did X say", "message from", "text about", "iMessage", "look up conversation", "who texted", "recent messages", "recent texts"
Browse Commands
For browsing 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
For fuzzy searching through message content:
# Rebuild index and search (recommended)
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 options
messages search "dinner" --from "Mom" --after 2024-01-01 --limit 15
Other Commands
# Check index stats (message count, date range, etc.)
messages stats
# Rebuild index only
messages index
Options Reference
| Option | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
--from, -f |
Filter by sender name or phone | --from "John Smith" |
--after, -a |
Messages after date | --after 2024-06-01 |
--limit, -l |
Max results (default: 10) | --limit 25 |
--context, -c |
Messages before/after match (default: 2) | --context 5 |
Tips
- Use quotes around multi-word search terms:
"dinner plans" - Sender filter supports partial matches:
--from "John"matches "John Smith" - Phone numbers can be used in sender filter:
--from "+1555" - Increase
--limitfor broader searches - Increase
--contextto see more conversation around matches
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