Does the Claw Messenger MCP server require a Mac?

No. The MCP client can run on Linux, Windows, Docker, or a cloud server.

What proves the MCP messaging setup works?

The setup works when wait_for_reply returns the matching inbound message. An accepted or delivered send is not reply proof.

August 28, 2026 · 5 min read

MCPClaw Messenger

Public npm package · v0.1.0 · Node.js 18+ · No Mac

Connect MCP AI agents to iMessage without a Mac.

Add five messaging tools, send one controlled text, and keep the MCP server open until the matching reply reaches your agent.

01Connect

Run the package and register one contact.

02Check, then send

The server opens its listener before readiness passes.

03Finish on reply

The inbound message must reach your MCP client.

Start with one phone you control

Start the 7-day card-backed trial. Copy your API key, then return to the install step below.

Start your 7-day trial

1. Add the MCP server

Put this entry in your MCP client configuration. Replace the sample key with the live key from your Claw Messenger dashboard.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "claw-messenger": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@emotion-machine/claw-messenger-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "CLAW_MESSENGER_API_KEY": "cm_live_YOUR_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}

The npx command runs the public npm package. Restart the MCP client after saving the configuration.

2. Register one controlled contact

Ask the agent to call register_contact with one phone in E.164 format. Use a number you can answer during the test.

Register +14155550101 as a Claw Messenger contact.

3. Check readiness before sending

Ask the agent to call check_readiness. This checks the key, plan, contact, and live listener.

listener opencheck_readinesssend_text_message

Ready to send{"ready":true,"action":"send_controlled_test"}

If the action says connect_agent, restart the MCP server and check again. Do not send until readiness passes.

4. Send one controlled message

Ask the agent to call send_text_message. Leave the service unset so Claw Messenger can use iMessage, RCS, or SMS as available.

Send "MCP test. Reply yes." to +14155550101.

5. Wait for the matching reply

Immediately ask the agent to call wait_for_reply for that contact. Set a timeout up to 300 seconds, then reply from the phone.

Wait up to 300 seconds for a reply from +14155550101.

The reply reached the MCP client

A returned inbound message is the setup finish line.

An accepted or delivered send is useful diagnostics. It does not prove that replies reach your AI agent.

The five MCP tools

register_contactAllow one phone for two-way messaging.

list_contactsReview the phones this account can message.

check_readinessConfirm the session is ready before sending.

send_text_messageSend text to a registered contact.

wait_for_replyReturn the next inbound message from a contact.

MCP messaging questions

Does this require a Mac?

No. Run the MCP client on Linux, Windows, Docker, or a cloud server.

Should I put the API key in the command?

No. Keep it in the MCP client environment. The server authenticates its WebSocket with a bearer header.