Tesla Locking Sounds: The Complete Guide (Lock, Unlock & Sentry Mode)
Your Tesla makes sounds when it locks. It can also make sounds when it unlocks, and when Sentry Mode activates. But how does it all work? What's the difference between the stock chime and a custom sound? And which models support what?
This guide covers everything about Tesla's locking sound system ā from the hardware to the software to the customization options.
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The Three Tesla Lock-Related Sounds
Tesla vehicles can play up to three different sounds related to locking and security:
1. Lock Sound (LockChime.wav)
Plays when you lock the car ā either by walking away with your phone, tapping the lock button in the app, or pressing the key fob button. This is the sound most people customize.
2. Unlock Sound (UnlockChime.wav)
Plays when the car unlocks as you approach with your phone. This is optional ā Tesla doesn't play an unlock sound by default. You have to add a UnlockChime.wav file alongside your lock sound. How to set up an unlock sound ā
3. Sentry Mode Sound
A separate sound that plays when Sentry Mode detects a security event. This uses Tesla's built-in Sentry sound by default, but can also be customized. Sentry Mode custom sounds ā
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Stock vs Custom Lock Sounds
The Stock Chime
Tesla's default lock sound is a simple two-tone chime ā a short, pleasant "beep-boop" that plays through the external pedestrian warning speaker. It's the same across all models and can't be adjusted in volume or tone without going custom.
The stock sound is functional but generic. It sounds like... a car locking. Which is fine, but it's not why you bought a Tesla.
Custom Lock Sounds
Since firmware 2024.20, Tesla lets you replace the stock chime with any WAV file via the Boombox system. The custom sound plays through the same external speaker, at roughly the same volume level (though Tesla's 2026.8 update added volume normalization that reduced custom sound volume).
Custom sounds can be up to ~5 seconds long, though shorter is better ā anything over 2 seconds tends to feel awkward in practice.
Stock vs Custom: detailed comparison ā
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The External Speaker: How It Works
Tesla's custom sounds play through the external pedestrian warning speaker ā not the cabin speakers. This is the same speaker that plays the legally-required pedestrian warning sound at low speeds.
Key facts about the external speaker:
Because the speaker is designed for safety, not music, it has limitations:
This is why some sounds that sound great on your phone don't sound as good as a lock sound. The audio converter optimizes files for this speaker's frequency response.
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Boombox vs Lock Sound: What's the Difference?
This confuses people. Boombox is the Tesla feature that plays audio through the external speaker. Lock sound is one specific use of Boombox. Boombox also handles:
When you customize your lock sound, you're using the Boombox system. The lock sound file (LockChime.wav) goes in the Boombox folder because that's the system that plays it.
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Model Compatibility
| Feature | Model 3 | Model Y | Model S | Model X | Cybertruck |
|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|------------|
| External speaker | 2019+ | All | 2021+ | 2021+ | All |
| Custom lock sound | ā | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Custom unlock sound | ā | ā | ā | ā | ā |
| Min firmware | 2024.20 | 2024.20 | 2024.20 | 2024.20 | 2024.20 |
| Data USB port | Console / Glovebox (Highland) | Console | Console | Console | Console |
| Speaker volume | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Slightly louder |
For model-specific setup instructions:
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A Brief History of Tesla Lock Sounds
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Common Questions
Can I use MP3 files?
No. Tesla requires WAV format (16-bit, 44.1kHz). Use the converter to convert MP3 to the correct format.
How long can the sound be?
Technically up to 5 seconds. Practically, 0.5ā2 seconds sounds best. Anything longer feels awkward because the sound plays every time you lock, including in quiet neighborhoods at night. How long can a Tesla lock sound be? ā
Can I have different sounds for lock and unlock?
Yes. Use LockChime.wav for the lock sound and UnlockChime.wav for the unlock sound. Both go in the Boombox folder.
Does the USB have to stay plugged in?
Yes. The car reads the sound file from the USB every time it locks. If you remove the USB, it reverts to the stock chime.
Will it work without an internet connection?
Yes. The lock sound is entirely local ā it reads from the USB, no internet needed.
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Where to Go From Here