If you're moving from a Model 3 to a Model Y (or vice versa) and want to bring your custom lock sound with you, the good news: the file format and install process are identical. Both cars read LockChime.wav from a USB drive's Boombox folder.
Here's the side-by-side breakdown.
The Short Answer
| Model 3 | Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Lock sound format | WAV, 44.1kHz, 16-bit | WAV, 44.1kHz, 16-bit |
| File name | LockChime.wav | LockChime.wav |
| USB folder | Boombox/ | Boombox/ |
| Boombox available | All trims with Premium Connectivity | All trims with Premium Connectivity |
| Speaker used for lock | External pedestrian speaker | External pedestrian speaker |
| Volume behavior | Same file, same playback as Model Y | Same file, same playback as Model 3 |
Find sounds for your Tesla
Every sound works with Model 3, Y, S, X, and Cybertruck.
Boombox Availability
Both Model 3 and Model Y include Boombox mode on any trim with Premium Connectivity. Here's where they differ:
Model 3:
- Standard Range (SR+): Included with Premium Connectivity
- Long Range (LR): Included
- Performance: Included
- Pre-2021 MCU1 cars: May need firmware update
- Long Range (LR): Included
- Performance: Included
- Standard Range (where available): Included with Premium Connectivity
If your Model 3 was built before September 2019, check that Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound exists first, since early builds may lack the external speaker (see our firmware compatibility guide).
Speaker and Volume
We have no published speaker specifications for either car, so we can't say how their playback differs. Both play the lock sound through the external pedestrian-warning speaker, and the same LockChime.wav works on either. If a sound seems quiet or thin on your car, preview a few others, or change the level with the audio converter.
Step-by-Step: Install on Both Cars
The install process is the same for both models, but here's the quick version so you can do it side by side:
On Model 3 or Model Y:
- Format a USB drive as FAT32 or exFAT (full formatting guide)
- Create a folder named Boombox on the root of the drive
- Copy your LockChime.wav file into the Boombox folder
- Plug the USB into a USB port that carries data (the glovebox port on newer cars)
- On the touchscreen: Controls > Toybox > Boombox
- Select your custom sound from the list
- Lock and unlock to test
If the sound doesn't appear, see our troubleshooting guide for common fixes.
Which Model Sounds Better?
We can't say. The file format is identical, and we have no source for a difference in playback. Copy your LockChime.wav to both cars on the same USB drive and judge for yourself.
Best Lock Sounds for Each Model
While the format is the same, you may want different styles. A few starting points:
- Clean, minimal chimes (Musical lock sounds)
- Sci-fi tones (Sci-Fi sounds)
- Video game effects (Gaming sounds)
- Movie and TV sounds (Movie & TV sounds)
Browse the full 2,360+ sound library to find your match, or follow the complete installation guide for step-by-step setup instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same USB drive in both Model 3 and Model Y?
Yes. The Boombox folder structure is identical. Move the USB between cars and it works on both.
Do Model 3 Highland and Model Y Juniper have different lock sound support?
No. Both 2024+ refreshes use the same LockChime.wav system.
Why does my Model Y sound different from my friend's Model 3?
We have no published speaker specs to compare, so we can't say. Check that both cars have the same file and software version, and preview the sound at the same distance.
Can I set a different lock sound on each car from one USB drive?
No. Tesla reads whatever LockChime.wav is on the USB. If you want different sounds for each car, use two USB drives with different LockChime.wav files.
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Ready to set up your lock sound? Browse 2,360+ free Tesla lock sounds: every file downloads as a ready-to-use LockChime.wav optimized for both Model 3 and Model Y. For the full setup walkthrough, see our complete installation guide.