> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.wednesdayai.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Pair iMessage

> Chat with WednesdayAI through the Messages app on iPhone and Mac.

# 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.

## 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

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Get the bot's iMessage address">
    Ask your administrator for the phone number or Apple ID the bot uses on iMessage.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start a new conversation">
    In Messages, start a new message to that address, just as you would text anyone.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Send your first message">
    Type a message and send it. If you are already approved, the AI replies within a few seconds.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 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.

<Note>
  If you self-host, approve a pending request with:

  ```bash theme={"dark"}
  openclaw pairing list imessage
  openclaw pairing approve imessage <CODE>
  ```
</Note>

## 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.

## 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](/users/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.

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="The bot does not respond at all">
    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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My message shows as a green (SMS) bubble">
    The bot's address may not support iMessage, or your device fell back to SMS. Confirm the correct iMessage address with your administrator.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="The bot ignores me in a group">
    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.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Replies are slow or stop after a while">
    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.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>