LockChime.wav — The Only File Tesla Needs for Custom Lock Sounds
LockChime.wav is the exact filename Tesla requires for custom lock sounds. Not "lock_chime.wav", not "LockChime.mp3", not "my_sound.wav" — it must be LockChime.wav, case-sensitive, in WAV format at 44.1kHz 16-bit mono.
If you're searching for LockChime.wav, you're in the right place. Every sound on teslalocksound.com/sounds downloads as a ready-to-use LockChime.wav file — no renaming, no format conversion, no guesswork.
What Is LockChime.wav?
LockChime.wav is the filename Tesla's Boombox feature looks for on a USB drive to replace the default lock/unlock chime. When you plug in a USB drive containing a file named LockChime.wav in the Boombox folder, Tesla reads it and plays it every time you lock or unlock your car.
The name is not configurable. Tesla hardcodes this filename in firmware — you can't change it, and you can't use a different format like MP3 or OGG.
LockChime.wav File Requirements
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Filename | LockChime.wav (case-sensitive) |
| Format | WAV (uncompressed PCM) |
| Sample rate | 44,100 Hz (44.1kHz) |
| Bit depth | 16-bit |
| Channels | Mono |
| Max duration | ~6 seconds |
| Location on USB | Boombox/LockChime.wav (subfolder) or root |
Every sound in our 950+ free library is already formatted to these exact specs. Download, copy to USB, done.
Where to Download LockChime.wav
You can download pre-formatted LockChime.wav files from our library. No account needed, no email required. Here are the most popular:
Browse all 950+ sounds by category:
How to Install LockChime.wav on Your Tesla
1. Get a USB Drive
Any USB-A or USB-C flash drive works. Most Teslas have a USB-A port in the glovebox; newer ones have USB-C in the center console. Format the drive as FAT32 or exFAT.
2. Download a LockChime.wav File
Browse teslalocksound.com/sounds and download any sound. The file downloads as LockChime.wav — already in the correct format.
3. Copy LockChime.wav to Your USB Drive
Create this folder structure on the USB drive:
USB Drive/
Boombox/
LockChime.wav
Or place it at the root — Tesla scans the entire drive for the filename.
4. Plug In and Select
- Insert the USB drive into your Tesla
- Go to Controls → Toybox → Boombox
- Tap Lock Sound → USB
- Lock your car — your custom sound plays immediately
No restart needed. The change takes effect on the very next lock.
5. (Optional) Add a Horn Sound Too
You can also customize your horn sound with the same method — just name the file Horn.wav and place it in the same Boombox folder:
USB Drive/
Boombox/
LockChime.wav
Horn.wav
LockChime.wav Not Working? 7 Fixes
If your custom lock sound isn't playing, the cause is almost always one of these 7 issues:
1. Wrong Filename
The file must be named exactly LockChime.wav. Not lockchime.wav, not Lock_Chime.wav, not lock chime.wav. Some firmware versions are case-sensitive. Our downloads are already named correctly.
2. Wrong File Format
Tesla only accepts uncompressed WAV (PCM). MP3, AAC, OGG, FLAC — none of them work. Every file from our library is proper WAV PCM.
If you have an MP3 or other format, use our free audio converter to turn it into a Tesla-ready LockChime.wav in seconds.
3. USB Drive Not Formatted as FAT32
Your USB drive must be formatted as FAT32 (or exFAT on newer firmware). NTFS, APFS, and ext4 won't work.
sudo mkfs.vfat -F 32 /dev/sdX14. LockChime.wav Not in the Boombox Folder
Tesla scans for the file, but some firmware versions only find it inside a Boombox folder. Create the folder on your USB drive and place LockChime.wav inside it.
5. Boombox Not Enabled
Make sure Boombox is turned on: Controls → Toybox → Boombox. If you don't see Boombox, your firmware may be too old (update to 2022.40+), or your vehicle doesn't support it (pre-2021 Model S/X without the external speaker).
6. Sound Too Quiet After Update
Tesla firmware 2025.45+ reduced the volume of custom lock sounds through the pedestrian speaker. If your LockChime.wav plays but is too quiet:
7. USB Drive Not Recognized
Try a different USB drive. Some drives draw too much power or use controllers Tesla doesn't support. A basic USB 2.0 drive (8GB–32GB) works most reliably.
LockChime.wav vs Other Tesla Sound Files
Tesla's Boombox uses several named WAV files on USB. Here's how they differ:
| File | What It Does | Folder |
|---|---|---|
| LockChime.wav | Lock & unlock sound | Boombox/ |
| Horn.wav | Custom horn sound | Boombox/ |
| Projection.wav | Pedestrian warning sound | Boombox/ |
All use the same WAV format: 44.1kHz, 16-bit, mono PCM.
Which Tesla Models Support LockChime.wav?
| Model | Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | All years | Firmware 2022.40+ |
| Model Y | All years | Firmware 2022.40+ |
| Model S (2021+) | Yes | Refresh models only |
| Model X (2021+) | Yes | Refresh models only |
| Cybertruck | All units | All firmware versions |
| Pre-2021 S/X | Limited | May lack external speaker |
Can You Have Different Lock and Unlock Sounds?
No. Tesla uses the same LockChime.wav for both locking and unlocking. There's no UnlockChime.wav or separate setting. Pick a sound that works well for both actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find LockChime.wav files?
Right here — teslalocksound.com/sounds. 950+ free, pre-formatted LockChime.wav downloads. No account needed.
Is LockChime.wav free?
Yes. Every sound on teslalocksound.com is free to download and use. No watermarks, no DRM, no limits.
Can I make my own LockChime.wav?
Yes. Record or create any audio, then use our free converter to turn it into a Tesla-ready LockChime.wav format at 44.1kHz, 16-bit mono. Or start from any sound in our library and customize it.
How long can LockChime.wav be?
Approximately 6 seconds. Tesla truncates longer files. All sounds in our library are under this limit.
Does LockChime.wav work on the 2024 Model 3 Highland?
Yes. The refreshed 2024+ Model 3 fully supports custom lock sounds via the Boombox feature and LockChime.wav on USB.
What if I want to preview sounds before downloading?
Every sound on teslalocksound.com has a built-in audio preview. Click play, hear it, then download the LockChime.wav file when you've found the right one.
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Ready to customize? Browse 950+ free LockChime.wav files or follow the step-by-step installation guide.