docs: expand macOS VM guide (#1693) (thanks @f-trycua)

Add documentation for running Clawdbot in a sandboxed macOS VM
using Lume. This provides an alternative to buying dedicated
hardware or using cloud instances.

The guide covers:
- Installing Lume on Apple Silicon Macs
- Creating and configuring a macOS VM
- Installing Clawdbot inside the VM
- Running headlessly for 24/7 operation
- iMessage integration via BlueBubbles
- Saving golden images for easy reset

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ Docs: https://docs.clawd.bot
 - TTS: add auto mode enum (off/always/inbound/tagged) with per-session `/tts` override. (#1667) Thanks @sebslight. https://docs.clawd.bot/tts
 - Docs: expand FAQ (migration, scheduling, concurrency, model recommendations, OpenAI subscription auth, Pi sizing, hackable install, docs SSL workaround).
 - Docs: add verbose installer troubleshooting guidance.
+- Docs: add macOS VM guide with local/hosted options + VPS/nodes guidance. (#1693) Thanks @f-trycua.
 - Docs: update Fly.io guide notes.
 - Docs: add Bedrock EC2 instance role setup + IAM steps. (#1625) Thanks @sergical. https://docs.clawd.bot/bedrock
 - Exec approvals: forward approval prompts to chat with `/approve` for all channels (including plugins). (#1621) Thanks @czekaj. https://docs.clawd.bot/tools/exec-approvals https://docs.clawd.bot/tools/slash-commands

docs/docs.json

@@ -1048,6 +1048,7 @@
         "pages": [
           "platforms",
           "platforms/macos",
+          "platforms/macos-vm",
           "platforms/ios",
           "platforms/android",
           "platforms/windows",

docs/platforms/macos-vm.md

@@ -0,0 +1,275 @@
+---
+summary: "Run Clawdbot in a sandboxed macOS VM (local or hosted) when you need isolation or iMessage"
+read_when:
+  - You want Clawdbot isolated from your main macOS environment
+  - You want iMessage integration (BlueBubbles) in a sandbox
+  - You want a resettable macOS environment you can clone
+  - You want to compare local vs hosted macOS VM options
+---
+
+# Clawdbot on macOS VMs (Sandboxing)
+
+## Recommended default (most users)
+
+- **Small Linux VPS** for an always-on Gateway and low cost. See [VPS hosting](/vps).
+- **Dedicated hardware** (Mac mini or Linux box) if you want full control and a **residential IP** for browser automation. Many sites block data center IPs, so local browsing often works better.
+- **Hybrid:** keep the Gateway on a cheap VPS, and connect your Mac as a **node** when you need browser/UI automation. See [Nodes](/nodes) and [Gateway remote](/gateway/remote).
+
+Use a macOS VM when you specifically need macOS-only capabilities (iMessage/BlueBubbles) or want strict isolation from your daily Mac.
+
+## macOS VM options
+
+### Local VM on your Apple Silicon Mac (Lume)
+
+Run Clawdbot in a sandboxed macOS VM on your existing Apple Silicon Mac using [Lume](https://cua.ai/docs/lume).
+
+This gives you:
+- Full macOS environment in isolation (your host stays clean)
+- iMessage support via BlueBubbles (impossible on Linux/Windows)
+- Instant reset by cloning VMs
+- No extra hardware or cloud costs
+
+### Hosted Mac providers (cloud)
+
+If you want macOS in the cloud, hosted Mac providers work too:
+- [MacStadium](https://www.macstadium.com/) (hosted Macs)
+- Other hosted Mac vendors also work; follow their VM + SSH docs
+
+Once you have SSH access to a macOS VM, continue at step 6 below.
+
+---
+
+## Quick path (Lume, experienced users)
+
+1. Install Lume
+2. `lume create clawdbot --os macos --ipsw latest`
+3. Complete Setup Assistant, enable Remote Login (SSH)
+4. `lume run clawdbot --no-display`
+5. SSH in, install Clawdbot, configure channels
+6. Done
+
+---
+
+## What you need (Lume)
+
+- Apple Silicon Mac (M1/M2/M3/M4)
+- macOS Sequoia or later on the host
+- ~60 GB free disk space per VM
+- ~20 minutes
+
+---
+
+## 1) Install Lume
+
+```bash
+/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/trycua/cua/main/libs/lume/scripts/install.sh)"
+```
+
+If `~/.local/bin` isn't in your PATH:
+
+```bash
+echo 'export PATH="$PATH:$HOME/.local/bin"' >> ~/.zshrc && source ~/.zshrc
+```
+
+Verify:
+
+```bash
+lume --version
+```
+
+Docs: [Lume Installation](https://cua.ai/docs/lume/guide/getting-started/installation)
+
+---
+
+## 2) Create the macOS VM
+
+```bash
+lume create clawdbot --os macos --ipsw latest
+```
+
+This downloads macOS and creates the VM. A VNC window opens automatically.
+
+Note: The download can take a while depending on your connection.
+
+---
+
+## 3) Complete Setup Assistant
+
+In the VNC window:
+1. Select language and region
+2. Skip Apple ID (or sign in if you want iMessage later)
+3. Create a user account (remember the username and password)
+4. Skip all optional features
+
+After setup completes, enable SSH:
+1. Open System Settings → General → Sharing
+2. Enable "Remote Login"
+
+---
+
+## 4) Get the VM's IP address
+
+```bash
+lume get clawdbot
+```
+
+Look for the IP address (usually `192.168.64.x`).
+
+---
+
+## 5) SSH into the VM
+
+```bash
+ssh youruser@192.168.64.X
+```
+
+Replace `youruser` with the account you created, and the IP with your VM's IP.
+
+---
+
+## 6) Install Clawdbot
+
+Inside the VM:
+
+```bash
+npm install -g clawdbot@latest
+clawdbot onboard --install-daemon
+```
+
+Follow the onboarding prompts to set up your model provider (Anthropic, OpenAI, etc.).
+
+---
+
+## 7) Configure channels
+
+Edit the config file:
+
+```bash
+nano ~/.clawdbot/clawdbot.json
+```
+
+Add your channels:
+
+```json
+{
+  "channels": {
+    "whatsapp": {
+      "dmPolicy": "allowlist",
+      "allowFrom": ["+15551234567"]
+    },
+    "telegram": {
+      "botToken": "YOUR_BOT_TOKEN"
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+Then login to WhatsApp (scan QR):
+
+```bash
+clawdbot channels login
+```
+
+---
+
+## 8) Run the VM headlessly
+
+Stop the VM and restart without display:
+
+```bash
+lume stop clawdbot
+lume run clawdbot --no-display
+```
+
+The VM runs in the background. Clawdbot's daemon keeps the gateway running.
+
+To check status:
+
+```bash
+ssh youruser@192.168.64.X "clawdbot status"
+```
+
+---
+
+## Bonus: iMessage integration
+
+This is the killer feature of running on macOS. Use [BlueBubbles](https://bluebubbles.app) to add iMessage to Clawdbot.
+
+Inside the VM:
+
+1. Download BlueBubbles from bluebubbles.app
+2. Sign in with your Apple ID
+3. Enable the Web API and set a password
+4. Point BlueBubbles webhooks at your gateway (example: `https://your-gateway-host:3000/bluebubbles-webhook?password=<password>`)
+
+Add to your Clawdbot config:
+
+```json
+{
+  "channels": {
+    "bluebubbles": {
+      "serverUrl": "http://localhost:1234",
+      "password": "your-api-password",
+      "webhookPath": "/bluebubbles-webhook"
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+Restart the gateway. Now your agent can send and receive iMessages.
+
+Full setup details: [BlueBubbles channel](/channels/bluebubbles)
+
+---
+
+## Save a golden image
+
+Before customizing further, snapshot your clean state:
+
+```bash
+lume stop clawdbot
+lume clone clawdbot clawdbot-golden
+```
+
+Reset anytime:
+
+```bash
+lume stop clawdbot && lume delete clawdbot
+lume clone clawdbot-golden clawdbot
+lume run clawdbot --no-display
+```
+
+---
+
+## Running 24/7
+
+Keep the VM running by:
+- Keeping your Mac plugged in
+- Disabling sleep in System Settings → Energy Saver
+- Using `caffeinate` if needed
+
+For true always-on, consider a dedicated Mac mini or a small VPS. See [VPS hosting](/vps).
+
+---
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+| Problem | Solution |
+|---------|----------|
+| Can't SSH into VM | Check "Remote Login" is enabled in VM's System Settings |
+| VM IP not showing | Wait for VM to fully boot, run `lume get clawdbot` again |
+| Lume command not found | Add `~/.local/bin` to your PATH |
+| WhatsApp QR not scanning | Ensure you're logged into the VM (not host) when running `clawdbot channels login` |
+
+---
+
+## Related docs
+
+- [VPS hosting](/vps)
+- [Nodes](/nodes)
+- [Gateway remote](/gateway/remote)
+- [BlueBubbles channel](/channels/bluebubbles)
+- [Lume Quickstart](https://cua.ai/docs/lume/guide/getting-started/quickstart)
+- [Lume CLI Reference](https://cua.ai/docs/lume/reference/cli-reference)
+- [Unattended VM Setup](https://cua.ai/docs/lume/guide/fundamentals/unattended-setup) (advanced)
+- [Docker Sandboxing](/install/docker) (alternative isolation approach)