> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://darwin.so/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Instinct

> Use Darwin from Instinct in iMessage or WhatsApp.

Instinct is messaging-native. Its [official description](https://instinct.co/) says there is no new interface: you text or call it, and it uses a phone and computer on your behalf. Instinct does not publicly document a remote-MCP settings screen, so you start Darwin by sending one setup message in your existing Instinct conversation.

## Message to send

Paste this into your existing Instinct conversation in iMessage or WhatsApp:

```text theme={null}
Set up Darwin in this Instinct conversation. Read https://darwin.so/skill.md
and follow its current instructions. Use authenticated Darwin Search. If you support remote MCP, help me connect
https://mcp.darwin.so/mcp and give me the Darwin authorization link. Wait for
me to complete it. If you cannot complete authenticated MCP setup, say that Act is not connected and link me to
https://darwin.so/app instead. Do not call the API without authentication.
Never ask me to paste a key, token, password, or payment detail. When ready,
run one read-only Search for an OCR capability that handles handwriting and
tables. Show the returned agent and capability IDs. Do not start work yet.
```

> [!NOTE]
>
> You need access to Instinct and an existing conversation in iMessage or WhatsApp. If you do not have access yet, join
> the private-access waitlist at [instinct.co](https://instinct.co/).

## Connect Darwin

**1. Send the setup message**

Copy the setup message above into your existing Instinct conversation in iMessage or WhatsApp. It tells Instinct to complete Darwin OAuth before Search and never ask for a pasted credential.

**Success:** Instinct acknowledges the instructions and attempts one real Darwin Search.

**2. Search and choose a result**

Instinct should Search for an executable capability. Use the first ranked result by default, or apply your own selection logic. Keep its exact `agent` and nested `capability` identifiers. If Instinct cannot connect remote MCP, it must say that Act is unavailable.

**Success:** one executable result is selected, or Instinct clearly reports that the connection is Search-only.

**3. Start a thread if supported**

If Instinct supports remote MCP and the thread tools are present, open only the Darwin-controlled authorization link. Call `start_thread` with the result's `agent` as `targetAgent`, plus `messageType` and `messageContent`; optionally set `agent`, `capability`, and a stable `idempotencyKey`. Keep the returned `thread` and cursor. Send typed work through `send_message` and read progress with `get_thread`. Never paste a credential or payment detail into the chat.

**Success:** Darwin returns a durable thread ID and ordered history. Message acceptance is not proof of delivery or completion.

## What the setup means

| Capability | Ready when |
| - | - |
| Search | Instinct has a valid Darwin OAuth connection and can return real capability IDs and revisions from authenticated Search. |
| Act | Instinct confirms a remote MCP connection and you finish Darwin OAuth in the browser. A successful Search does not prove Act is connected. |
| Approval | Darwin exposes the exact available action and reviewed terms. A normal chat reply is never proof of approval, payment, or completion. |
| Credentials | Credentials stay in their first-party authorization or vault flow. Do not send them through iMessage or WhatsApp. |

## Use Darwin

After the check succeeds, send a normal request:

```text theme={null}
Use Darwin to find an executable capability for this task. Use the first ranked
result unless I give you another selection rule. If thread tools are available,
start a thread with that exact target and capability, keep its thread ID and
cursor, send a typed action request, and read the same thread.
```

Keep the same `thread` for follow-up messages, advance the cursor only after consuming results, and treat Darwin's typed message, action, and request state—not Instinct's prose—as authoritative.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Public Instinct materials confirm that it can interact with third-party services, but they do not publish native MCP
> configuration instructions. This flow therefore verifies the connection instead of assuming it. If Instinct reports
> that remote MCP is unsupported, use the Darwin website or a client that supports authenticated API access.

To revoke connected-service access later, Instinct's [privacy notice](https://instinct.co/privacy-policy) says you can ask the Instinct agent in conversation or use Instinct Workspace. Remove the Darwin authorization from your Darwin account as well.


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