Setting Up iMessage for Beeper on Mac

Beeper integrates with iMessage by securely automating the Messages app on your Mac. Below is a step-by-step guide to get started, followed by answers to common questions and troubleshooting tips. Note that iMessage is only offered for Mac. At this time, we don't have plans to support these on other platforms. 

How to Set Up iMessage on Mac

1. Open Beeper Desktop on your Mac.
2. Go to Settings > Accounts > Add an Account.
3. Select iMessage.
4. Follow the prompts to grant the required permissions.
   
   Beeper needs the following permissions to function correctly with iMessage:
    

• Accessibility: To interact with the Messages app, Beeper temporarily controls it for actions like selecting chats, moving or resizing the Messages app window, and marking messages as read/unread
• Contacts: This allows Beeper to show names instead of phone numbers or emails.
• Messages Data: This is needed to read your iMessages and display them inside Beeper.
• Automation: This permission is required to send messages on your behalf. Beeper does not initiate any messages—only what you explicitly send through Beeper is delivered. 
  
  Once all permissions are accepted, you will see a confirmation message: “iMessage account connected successfully.”

💡Frequently Asked Questions:

1. The app says it can’t access data, even though I’ve granted all permissions.
   Try giving Full Disk Access to Beeper Desktop:
   • Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access
   • Enable the switch for Beeper Desktop
   • Quit Beeper completely (Command-Q), then relaunch
      
2. Why does the Messages app open when I launch Beeper?
   This is expected. Beeper uses automation to control the Messages app in the background. While we attempt to “eclipse” it (hide it behind Beeper), it may still become briefly visible or flash occasionally.
    
3. How can I reset the permissions I’ve granted Beeper?
   You can revoke all permissions using the Terminal:
   1. Open the Terminal app (found in Applications > Utilities or via Spotlight).
   2. Paste and run this command:
      
      tccutil reset All com.automattic.beeper.desktop
      
      If you’re using a beta version of Beeper, contact Support at help@beeper.com for the exact command to use.
       
   3. Quit Terminal, then relaunch Beeper and re-grant the permissions when prompted.
       
4. Can I connect iMessage from other devices?
   No. iMessage can only be connected via Beeper on a Mac, using an on-device connection. You cannot connect iMessage from Beeper on another device.
    
5. Why do my messages in Beeper look different than in the Messages app?
   Messages in Beeper should exactly match how they appear in the macOS Messages app. If you notice discrepancies, please submit a bug report directly through the app.
    

🚩Most Common Problems

1. Problem 1: Beeper says it has permission but it doesn’t
   
   How to troubleshoot:
   
   • Try turning the permission switch off and on again in System Settings.
   • Completely quit and relaunch Beeper.
      
2. Problem 2: App needs permission—but it already seems to have it
   
   Here's how to troubleshoot:
   
   • This might be due to a cached or stale system state.
   • Try the steps above: toggle the permission, quit and relaunch Beeper.
      
3. Problem 3: App doesn’t appear in privacy settings at all
   
   Here's how to troubleshoot:
   
   • Fully quit and restart Beeper.
   • Try rebooting your Mac.
   • Make sure no multiple versions of Beeper are installed.

🆘 Need More Help?

We're here to make sure things go smoothly! Please message us in your Beeper Support ( or Beeper Help) room or at help@beeper.com.