How do I import a UDDF file into Subsurface-Mobile on an iOS device?

[Brad Whitridge]

How do I import a UDDF file into Subsurface-Mobile on an iOS device?

I have the UDDF file available on my iPhone/iPad in the Apple Files app. However, when I open the Subsurface-Mobile app, I do not see any “Import Dive Log” file option as explained in the User Manual. I only see either a manual entry using “+” or download via a dive computer. I have looked through all the various menus, but cannot find an import option that lets me search for a locally stored UDDF file. Has anyone else successfully imported a UDDF file on a iOS device? If so, how did you do this?

I haven’t tried using a laptop and MacOS because I would like to figure out how to do this entirely on an iPhone/iPad when traveling. I’m using Dive Coverter (v1.3) to export a UDDF file from the Oceanic+ app to Apple Files. I’m testing the Oceanic+ app and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 as a dive computer, and would like to integrate the dives into my Subsurface Logbook. (The Apple Watch Ultra/Oceanic+ app do not connect directly with Subsurface.)

Thanks!

-Brad

[Michael Knichel]

I don't see a way to do this on mobile either.  I used a Windows PC.  I imported the file as is and saved to cloud.  Then I edited the file locally (looks like XML) to add what it wouldn't import.  Saved it locally and in cloud.  

This process worked well for me.  I expect that MAC OS would be same, edit the local storage file with text editor.

[Michael Keller]

Hi Brad.

On Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 3:04:43 AM UTC+12 bwh...@gmail.com wrote:

How do I import a UDDF file into Subsurface-Mobile on an iOS device?

Importing dive logs is currently not supported in the mobile version of Subsurface.

The main reason for this is that nobody has put in the (likely considerable) effort to make imports work on the mobile version.

But in particular in iOS there are also limitations around what files any app gets to access on the device - in general the app has to be registered as the 'default handler' for a file type to be able to access it.

Ngā mihi

  Michael Keller

[Brad Whitridge]

Thanks for your replies. Sorry to hear that a UDDF file import is not currently possible on Subsurface-Mobile.  I was not knowledgeable about some of the technical limitations.

In an increasingly mobile world, with powerful and full featured devices like iPhone/iPad, seems like this basic feature should be foundational to the mobile version.

Certainly, direct dive computer connectivity is convenient and appreciated. However, there are many instances where a dive file import is necessary due to DC compatibility, capability, and/or additional file editing prior to import.  To be able to do this on the mobile version just streamlines the use case when traveling, in the field, or when it’s inconvenient to have a laptop with you.

For example, I just returned from a three week dive trip to the Cocos, Costa Rica, and I did not bring my MacBook laptop, just an iPhone & iPad.  I was able to be fully functional with film and video editing, logistic support, communication, etc., except dive logging and analysis with my Subsurface logbook because I was not able to import the dives. (I was testing the Oceanic+/Apple Watch Ultra dive computer setup.  It worked beautifully, easily handling multi-dive and multi-day schedules, with EAN and deep profiles, excellent UI and reliability.) The only limitation was the Oceanic+ app on iPhone and the Apple Watch Ultra cannot direct connect to Subsurface, so I have to use a file import workflow. Fortunately, the dive data is easily exported to a UDDF file from within the Oceanic+ app.  Not a big deal, until I realized the Subsurface-Mobile app does not have that capability. In 2025, with as powerful a platform as the iPhone and iPad are, it seems iOS file import should be addressed at a minimum.

I love using Subsurface and it’s by far the best digital logbook application that can aggregate dives from many sources, spanning many years, both manually logged and via an assortment of dive computers.  We just need to augment the mobile version with basic file import capabilities.

Appreciate the community support and knowledge.  Thanks!

-Brad

On May 20, 2025, at 17:58, Michael Keller <mike...@042.ch> wrote:

Hi Brad.

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[JB2Cool]

Brad,

I do understand what you are saying and if you wanted this functionality then you shouldn't have invested into a closed ecosystem of Apple Watch and Oceanic+ , these both want to lock you in (for example the file export wasn't initially part of Oceanic+).

As far as "In 2025, with as powerful a platform as the iPhone and iPad are, it seems iOS file import should be addressed at a minimum." then sure, if you want to contribute this to Subsurface-Mobile then that feature would probably be welcomely received but all the people working on this do so on their own time and of their own free will.  You've paid both Apple and Oceanic for their services but I see you are coming to Subsurface, the people that didn't ask for a penny from you with the feature request.

Sorry to sound a bit negative in this reply but we see lots of these requests (that often come across as demands) saying add this feature, add support for this dive computer where there are realistically just a handful of developers supporting Subsurface/Subsurface-mobile on their own time and frustratingly also working to constantly shifting goalposts in respect to application packaging and publishing.

Jason

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[Brad Whitridge]

Thank you for your perspective Jason, point well taken.  You are correct and given my ongoing use and support of Subsurface, I have just donated to the Subsurface dev community maintained by Dirk Hohndel via GitHub.  Appreciate your encouragement to do this.

I have great respect for the open source community and have supported many open source projects that I have used in the past.  I’m not a developer and do not have the skill or knowledge to contribute code.

My engagement with the this forum and identifying a potential user feature of “file import capabilities on mobile”, is a way I can help contribute, as listed on the Subsurface-divelog.org site > Contribute page > #4: “By Improving the User Experience”, in addition to #7: “Supporting us Financially.”

The foundation of my original question was about general “file import capabilities on mobile” (UDDF, XML, etc.) This can apply to all users, regardless of system or platform.  I only used the specific example of testing the Oceanic+/Apple Watch Ultra platform for context. (Minimal investment as I had already previously owned an Apple Watch Ultra.)

My primary dive computers, Shearwater Peregrine & Garmin Descent, are great and interface well with Subsurface (and have for years.) No issues, and I have learned a lot from the Subsurface forums on their capabilities.

My only intent was to respectfully engage in the Subsurface community when I encountered a scenario that had a little user experience friction, with the hope of supporting further evolution of this very good application.

-Brad

On May 21, 2025, at 10:01, JB2Cool <jb2...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[JB2Cool]

Thank you for the mature and balanced response Brad.

I wasn't really angling for a donation but a donation will i'm sure be graciously accepted, what i was really aiming for was a but of understanding and patience that this project is very understaffed and it consumes a lot of time of the existing developers to simply keep it alive and functional in an ever changing technological environment, let alone having time and resource to add new features.

Your request is a reasonable request though so i'm sure it's been taken on board that this is something that has been asked for. Whether this gets implemented in the future though, who knows, sometimes something that appears to be a simple thing can be pretty complicated to implement.

Jason

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