Content
# mac-mail-mcp
MCP server that reads your Apple Mail.app data directly from the local SQLite database. No OAuth, no API keys — just local file access.
Works with any email account configured in Mail.app (Gmail, Outlook/Exchange, iCloud, IMAP).
## Tools
| Tool | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `list_accounts` | List all email accounts configured in Mail.app |
| `list_folders` | List mailbox folders with message counts |
| `search` | Search by subject, sender, date range, folder |
| `get_email` | Get full email with body (from .emlx files) |
| `get_thread` | Get all messages in a conversation |
| `unread_count` | Unread counts per folder/account |
## Setup
```bash
cd /path/to/mac-mail-mcp
npm install
npm run build
```
### Global (all Claude Code sessions)
Add to `~/.claude.json`:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"mac-mail": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/path/to/mac-mail-mcp/dist/index.js"]
}
}
}
```
### Project-only
Add a `.mcp.json` in your project root:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"mac-mail": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/path/to/mac-mail-mcp/dist/index.js"]
}
}
}
```
## How it works
Mail.app stores all email metadata in a SQLite database at `~/Library/Mail/V*/MailData/Envelope Index` and message bodies as `.emlx` files. This server reads both to give you full access to your email.
## Requirements
- macOS with Mail.app configured
- Node.js 18+
- Full Disk Access may be required for the process reading the database
## Limitations
- Read-only — cannot send, move, or delete emails
- Message bodies are only available for emails Mail.app has downloaded locally
- Mail.app must be configured with the accounts you want to access
