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Pair iMessage

If your WednesdayAI is set up for iMessage, you talk to it straight from the Messages app on your iPhone or Mac - just text the bot’s number or Apple ID like any other contact. iMessage runs on a Mac behind the scenes (using either the recommended BlueBubbles setup or the legacy connector). As a user you do not need to know which one your admin chose - the experience is the same.

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What you need

  • A device signed in to iMessage (iPhone, iPad, or Mac)
  • The bot’s iMessage address from your administrator - either a phone number or an Apple ID email

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Steps

1

Get the bot's iMessage address

Ask your administrator for the phone number or Apple ID the bot uses on iMessage.
2

Start a new conversation

In Messages, start a new message to that address, just as you would text anyone.
3

Send your first message

Type a message and send it. If you are already approved, the AI replies within a few seconds.

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You may get a pairing code first

iMessage usually runs in pairing mode, which means an unknown sender is held until the owner approves them. The first time you message the bot, you may get back a short 8-character code instead of a normal reply. That is expected:
  1. Send the code to your administrator (or approve it yourself if you self-host).
  2. Codes expire after about an hour.
  3. Once approved, message the bot again and it will respond normally.
If you self-host, approve a pending request with:
openclaw pairing list imessage
openclaw pairing approve imessage <CODE>

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In a group chat

In a group iMessage thread the bot stays quiet until you get its attention. iMessage does not have a built-in @-mention the way some apps do, so the bot recognises a “mention” by a name pattern your admin has configured (for example its name or number in your message).
  • Include the bot’s name or number in your message to wake it.
  • If a group thread is not getting answered, the group may not be allowed yet, or no mention pattern is set up - ask your administrator.

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Tips

  • Photos and attachments - if your admin has enabled inbound attachments, you can send images and files for the AI to look at. See Sharing files.
  • Same address, all your devices - because iMessage syncs across your Apple devices, you can start a conversation on your iPhone and pick it up on your Mac.

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Troubleshooting

You may not be approved yet. If you got a pairing code, make sure your admin approved it (codes expire after about an hour). Otherwise ask your admin to confirm your address is allowed.
The bot’s address may not support iMessage, or your device fell back to SMS. Confirm the correct iMessage address with your administrator.
In groups the bot only replies when it recognises a mention. Include its name or number in your message. If it still does not respond, ask your admin to check the group’s settings.
iMessage relies on a Mac staying awake and signed in. If replies stop, ask your administrator to check that the Mac and the Messages app are running.