Transferring media files

Transferring video and images from the drone can either be done in the Bueye App on iOS, Android and macOR, or on a computer using the Blunux Web App.

Standard file naming from the ROV

Blueye media files are named using this format:

video_BYEDP190071_2021-02-02_125911.mp4

Where:

• BYEDP190071 is the drone serial number
• 2021-02-02 is the recording date (YYYY-MM-DD)
• 125911 is the time (HHMMSS)

This format ensures the files are sorted correctly when listed alphabetically on your computer.
 

Transferring files to your smartphone

To transfer files to a mobile device, turn on the drone and the surface unit, connect the mobile device to the surface unit Wi-Fi, start the app and tap "Transfer media files".

Read more: Connect to drone

Transferring files to your computer

Follow these steps:

1. Turn on the drone and the surface unit and connect the computer to the Surface Unit Wi-Fi. Read more: Connect to drone
2. Open the Blunux Web App, click here for detailed instructions.
3. Make sure to turn off the drone and the Surface Unit after you are done transferring your files.

Preserving original file names in iOS

When transferring files to an iPad or iPhone, the iOS Photos app may rename them using a random-looking format, making the original drone filenames harder to recognise.

There are two options to preserve the original file names:

Option 1: Use "Export Unmodified Original" from Photos

If your files are already saved to the Photos app, you can still keep the original filename when exporting – but only if you choose the correct sharing option:

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Select the photo or video you want to share.
3. Tap the Share button.
4. Tap Options at the top of the screen.
5. Enable Export Unmodified Original.
6. Choose how to share (e.g., Save to Files, AirDrop, Email, etc.).

This will include the original file name and metadata from the drone, even if the Photos app displays a different name.

Option 2: Save directly to the Files app (instead of Photos)

If possible, avoid saving to the Photos app entirely. Instead, save media directly to the Files app using either:

• Blueye File Transfer
• Airdrop to the Files app
• Cloud storage (e.g., Dropbox or iCloud Drive)

Saving directly to Files usually retains the original file name and avoids renaming issues.

Transferring from iOS to Windows

If you're connecting an iOS device to a Windows PC via USB, you can use Windows' built-in Import pictures and videos tool to better organize files:

1. In File Explorer, right-click the connected iPhone/iPad.
2. Choose Import pictures and videos.
3. Click More options.
4. Under File name, select Date Taken + Name.
5. (Optional) Set folder naming or tags.
6. Click Import.

This method doesn’t restore original file names if they were changed by iOS, but it helps structure files by date and tag if needed.

We recommend transferring media files directly to a computer using the Blueye File Transfer app whenever possible. This preserves file names and lets you choose between files with and without an overlay.