Can I run BlueBubbles on a Mac mini headless?

Yes, BlueBubbles works well on a headless Mac mini. Configure automatic login and ensure the BlueBubbles app is set to launch at startup so it runs without a monitor connected.

What happens if the BlueBubbles server restarts?

BlueBubbles automatically reconnects to iMessage after a restart. If configured with launch-at-login, the server resumes operation without manual intervention. Queued messages will be delivered once the connection is restored.

Is there a cost to using BlueBubbles?

BlueBubbles is free and open-source. The only cost is the Mac hardware needed to run it and any cloud tunneling service you choose to use.

Channels

iMessage via BlueBubbles: Remote Mac Bridge

Expose an iMessage API from your Mac so OpenClaw can access iMessage remotely through BlueBubbles.

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What You Will Get

After this setup, your OpenClaw agent will have remote access to iMessage through BlueBubbles running on a Mac. Unlike the local imsg approach, BlueBubbles exposes a REST API and WebSocket connection that your agent can connect to from anywhere, making it ideal for cloud-hosted agents.

BlueBubbles is an open-source server that runs on macOS and provides a full-featured API for iMessage. It supports sending and receiving messages, group chats, reactions, read receipts, typing indicators, and media attachments. Your agent communicates with BlueBubbles over a secure connection.

This approach is perfect when your RunTheAgent deployment runs in the cloud but you still want iMessage access. The Mac running BlueBubbles acts as a bridge, forwarding messages between iMessage and your agent over the network.

Step-by-Step Setup

Install BlueBubbles on a Mac and connect it to your OpenClaw agent.

Prepare Your Mac

Ensure your Mac is running macOS 11 Big Sur or later with an Apple ID signed into iMessage. The Mac needs a stable internet connection and should be configured to stay awake. Disable sleep in Energy Saver settings and enable automatic login if the Mac restarts.

Download and Install BlueBubbles

Download the latest BlueBubbles server application from the official repository. Install it by dragging the app to your Applications folder. On first launch, BlueBubbles will request Full Disk Access and Accessibility permissions. Grant both in System Settings under Privacy and Security.

Configure the BlueBubbles Server

Open BlueBubbles and complete the initial setup wizard. Choose a server password and configure the connection method. For remote access, enable the Cloudflare tunnel or Dynamic DNS option so the API is reachable from outside your local network. Note the server URL and API key displayed after setup.

Connect OpenClaw to BlueBubbles

In your RunTheAgent dashboard, go to Channels and add a new BlueBubbles channel. Enter the server URL and API key from the previous step. The dashboard will test the connection and confirm it is working. Enable WebSocket mode for real-time message delivery.

Configure Message Handling

Set up which conversations the agent should handle. You can filter by contact, group chat, or handle all incoming messages. Configure response behavior including whether the agent should send read receipts and typing indicators to make conversations feel natural.

Enable Media and Reactions

Toggle on media support to allow sending and receiving images, videos, and files through iMessage. Enable reaction support so your agent can tapback messages with hearts, thumbs up, or other iMessage reactions. Configure the media cache size to manage storage on the Mac.

Verify the Full Pipeline

Send a test iMessage to the Apple ID linked on the Mac. Watch the message flow through BlueBubbles to your OpenClaw agent and back. Verify that replies arrive on iMessage, media transfers work, and reactions are delivered. Check the BlueBubbles server logs and RunTheAgent logs for any errors.

Tips and Best Practices

Use Cloudflare Tunnels for Security

Cloudflare tunnels provide a secure, encrypted connection without opening ports on your router. This is the recommended method for exposing your BlueBubbles API to the internet.

Set Up Automatic Updates

Enable automatic updates in BlueBubbles to receive the latest bug fixes and features. Check for updates regularly to keep the bridge stable and secure.

Monitor Server Uptime

Use the BlueBubbles health endpoint to monitor server status. Set up an external monitoring service to ping the endpoint and alert you if the server goes offline.

Back Up Your Configuration

Export your BlueBubbles configuration periodically. If you need to set up on a new Mac, the configuration backup will save you from reconfiguring everything from scratch.

Frequently Asked Questions

iMessage Integration on macOS Channel Security: Allowlists Multi-Channel Setup

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