LockChime.wav — What It Is, Where to Put It & 1,670+ Free Downloads

Every custom Tesla lock sound boils down to one file: LockChime.wav. That's the exact filename (case-sensitive) your Tesla looks for in the Boombox folder on your USB drive. Get the filename wrong, pick the wrong format, or put it in the wrong folder — and your custom sound won't play.

This guide covers everything: file format requirements, how to create a LockChime.wav, where to put it, and common mistakes that stop it from working.

What Is LockChime.wav?

LockChime.wav is the filename Tesla's Boombox feature reads when you select a custom lock sound. When you lock or unlock your car, the vehicle's external speaker plays this file. The name must be exactly LockChime.wav — not lockchime.wav, not LockChime.WAV, and definitely not LockChime.mp3.

Tesla uses this convention across all supported models:

●Model 3 (2020+ with external speakers)

●Model Y (all years)

●Model S (2021+)

●Model X (2021+)

●Cybertruck (all deliveries)

LockChime.wav File Format Requirements

Tesla is strict about the WAV format. Your file must match all of these specifications:

| Spec | Requirement |

|------|-------------|

| Format | WAV (PCM, uncompressed) |

| Sample rate | 44,100 Hz (44.1 kHz) |

| Bit depth | 16-bit |

| Channels | 1 (mono) or 2 (stereo) |

| Duration | 5 seconds or shorter |

| File size | Under 5 MB (most sounds are under 500 KB) |

| Filename | Exactly LockChime.wav (case-sensitive) |

Most common mistake: MP3 files renamed to .wav. Tesla won't play them — the file must actually be in WAV/PCM format.

How to Create a LockChime.wav

Option 1: Download Free Pre-Made Sounds (Fastest)

Our Tesla lock sounds library has 1,670+ sounds already formatted as LockChime.wav — 44.1 kHz, 16-bit, trimmed to 5 seconds, normalized to -3 dB. Every download is ready to copy to USB. No conversion needed.

Option 2: Convert Any Audio File

If you have a sound file (MP3, M4A, FLAC, etc.) that you want to use:

1. Open our free WAV converter — it handles the Tesla format automatically
2. Upload your file
3. Set the peak volume to -3 dB (louder sounds clip on Tesla speakers)
4. Trim to 5 seconds if needed
5. Hit convert — it exports as a properly formatted LockChime.wav (44.1 kHz, 16-bit)

Option 3: Manual Conversion (Advanced)

If you prefer Audacity, FFmpeg, or another tool:

Audacity:

1. Import your audio file
2. Trim to 5 seconds or less
3. Go to Tracks > Mix > Mix down to Mono (optional)
4. Set Project Rate to 44100 Hz (bottom left)
5. Effect > Normalize > peak amplitude -3 dB
6. File > Export > Export as WAV
7. Format: WAV (Microsoft), 16-bit PCM
8. Name the file LockChime.wav (case-sensitive)

FFmpeg:

ffmpeg -i input.mp3 -ar 44100 -ac 1 -sample_fmt s16 -t 5 LockChime.wav

Where to Put LockChime.wav on Your USB Drive

The file path on your USB drive must be:

/Boombox/LockChime.wav

Step by step:

1. Format a USB drive as FAT32 or exFAT (NTFS won't work)
2. Create a folder called Boombox in the root of the USB drive
3. Copy your LockChime.wav file into the Boombox folder
4. Plug the USB drive into your Tesla's center console port (see the full installation guide for detailed steps with screenshots)
5. Go to Controls → Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound
6. Select your custom sound from the list

Important: The folder name must be exactly Boombox — not boombox, BOOMBOX, or anything else.

Common LockChime.wav Problems & Fixes

Sound Won't Play at All

●Check the filename: must be LockChime.wav (not lockchime.wav or any variation)

●Check the format: must be WAV PCM, not MP3 renamed to .wav

●Check the folder: must be inside /Boombox/ on the USB root

●Make sure Sentry Mode is enabled

●Try the front center console USB port (not the rear or glovebox)

Sound Is Too Quiet

●The 2026.8 firmware update reduced lock sound volume. Download pre-boosted sounds that override the volume nerf

●Normalize your WAV to -1 dB peak instead of -3 dB

●Avoid heavily compressed audio — it loses perceived loudness

Sound Plays Distorted

●Lower peak volume to -6 dB

●Remove excessive bass frequencies below 100 Hz (Tesla speakers struggle with sub-bass)

●Re-export at 16-bit (24-bit files may cause playback issues)

Wrong Sound Plays

●Remove other WAV files from the Boombox folder — Tesla may pick up the wrong one

●Delete the old LockChime.wav before adding a new one

●Re-select the sound in Boombox settings after updating the USB

For a complete troubleshooting walkthrough, see our Tesla custom lock sound not working — 7 fixes guide.

LockChime.wav vs UnlockChime.wav

Starting with firmware 2026.8, Tesla supports separate sounds for lock and unlock:

●LockChime.wav — plays when you lock the car

●UnlockChime.wav — plays when you unlock the car

Both files go in the same /Boombox/ folder. If you only provide LockChime.wav, Tesla uses it for both lock and unlock. For the full setup guide, see our Tesla unlock sound guide.

How Long Can LockChime.wav Be?

Tesla cuts off playback at 5 seconds. Anything longer gets truncated. Your sound should be 5 seconds or shorter for the best experience. For detailed duration specs, see our guide on how long a Tesla lock sound can be.

Free LockChime.wav Downloads

Every sound in our library is already formatted as LockChime.wav — no renaming or conversion needed. Popular picks:

Browse by category:

●Movies & TV — Star Wars, Marvel, iconic film sounds

●Gaming — Super Mario, Halo, Zelda

●Memes — Vine Boom, Bruh, Minecraft door

●Sci-Fi — Star Trek, Blade Runner, Tron

●Music — Short musical riffs and chimes

Each download is already named LockChime.wav and formatted to Tesla specs.

FAQ

Does the filename have to be LockChime.wav?

Yes. Tesla's Boombox system specifically looks for a file called LockChime.wav in the /Boombox/ folder. Any other name — even lockchime.wav (lowercase L) — won't work.

Can I use an MP3 file?

No. Tesla only plays WAV files in PCM format. You can convert any MP3 to WAV using our free converter or Audacity.

Can I have multiple lock sounds on the same USB?

Yes, but only one LockChime.wav in the Boombox folder at a time. You can swap files on the USB or use folders to organize multiple sounds and just rename the one you want active.

Will LockChime.wav work on a pre-2020 Tesla?

It depends on whether your Tesla has external speakers. Model 3 Standard Range cars built before mid-2020 didn't include the Pedestrian Warning System speaker, which is required for custom lock sounds. Check your Tesla's Boombox section in Toybox — if you see the Lock Sound setting, your car supports it.

Does LockChime.wav drain the battery?

No. The file is only played for a fraction of a second during lock/unlock. It has zero measurable impact on battery range.