Tesla Model S Custom Lock Sound: How to Change It (2026)

Q: How do I change the custom lock sound on my Tesla Model S?

Put a WAV named `LockChime.wav` at `Boombox/LockChime.wav` on a FAT32 or exFAT USB drive, plug it into a USB port that carries data (the glovebox port on newer cars), and open Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound, then choose USB. To change it later, replace the file on the drive with a new one using the same name and path.

Q: What file format does the Model S need?

A WAV file named exactly `LockChime.wav`. For clean playback we recommend 44.1 kHz, 16-bit PCM, 1–5 seconds, under 1 MB. Every download on this site is already exported that way.

Want to change the custom lock sound on your Tesla Model S? Put a WAV file named LockChime.wav at Boombox/LockChime.wav on a FAT32 or exFAT USB drive, plug the drive into a USB port that carries data (the glovebox port on newer cars), and open Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound, then choose USB. That's the whole install. Swapping to a different sound later is one file copy.

This page is the Model S spoke. For the all-model hub, open the main Tesla lock sound install guide. If you just need a file that already works, browse Model S-ready lock sounds or jump to direct LockChime.wav downloads.

Quick Answer: Change the Model S Lock Sound

Download a sound. Every file here is already named LockChime.wav.
Format a USB drive as FAT32 or exFAT (not APFS/NTFS).
Create the folder path Boombox/LockChime.wav on the drive.
Insert the drive into a USB port that carries data (the glovebox port on newer cars).
On the touchscreen: Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound, then choose USB.
Lock the car once to test.

Find sounds for your Tesla

Every sound works with Model 3, Y, S, X, and Cybertruck.

Browse Trending sounds →

Which Model S Supports Custom Lock Sounds

The custom lock sound plays through the external pedestrian-warning speaker, so the hardware decides:

Model S 2021 refresh or later: supported. This includes both Long Range and Plaid; the feature is identical across trims.
Pre-2021 Model S: not supported. Those cars don't have the external pedestrian-warning speaker, and a software update alone won't add the feature.
Software: custom lock sounds need the external speaker (Model S from the 2021 refresh) and software 2023.44 or later. If you don't see the Lock Sound option, update from Controls → Software.

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Prepare the USB Drive

Format a USB drive as FAT32 or exFAT. If your Model S came with Tesla's factory USB drive, you can reuse it: add a Boombox folder next to the existing TeslaCam folder (the dashcam keeps working).

2. Create the Folder Structure

USB Drive/
└── Boombox/
    └── LockChime.wav

The filename is case-sensitive: capital L, capital C.

3. Add Your Sound File

Download a sound from the Model S library or the direct downloads page: every file is already named LockChime.wav and exported at the recommended 44.1 kHz / 16-bit spec. Place it inside the Boombox folder.

4. Select It in the Car

Insert the drive into a USB port that carries data (the glovebox port on newer cars).
Open Toybox
Tap Boombox
Select Lock Sound
Choose USB

5. Test

Lock your Model S with the app, key fob, or walk-away lock. You should hear your custom sound from the external speaker.

Already Have a Custom Sound? How to Change It

Changing an installed sound is faster than the first install, because the menu is already set to USB:

Take the USB drive out and plug it into your computer.
Replace Boombox/LockChime.wav with the new file (same name, same folder).
Reinsert the drive. The next lock plays the new sound.

If the old sound keeps playing, re-open Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound and re-select USB so the car re-reads the file.

How to Go Back to the Stock Sound

Open Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound and switch the source from USB back to Default. The drive can stay plugged in; the file is ignored until you select USB again. Full details in the disable / revert guide.

Model S-Specific Notes

Picking a sound. We have no published speaker specs for the Model S, so preview a sound before you commit. Start from the best Model S lock sounds shortlist.
Plaid is identical. Same menu, same file path. See the Model S Plaid guide for Plaid-specific picks.
Volume. The external speaker volume lives under Controls → Safety → External Speaker; turn it up if the sound is hard to hear across a parking lot.

Troubleshooting

Confirm the drive is FAT32 or exFAT
Confirm the exact path is Boombox/LockChime.wav
Try another USB port that carries data
Remove and reinsert the drive before reopening Boombox

The car still plays the stock chime

Re-open Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound and make sure the source is USB, not Default
Lock the car once: the sound only plays on lock, not when you change the setting

The file looks right but still fails

Recheck that it's a real 44.1 kHz, 16-bit PCM WAV, not a renamed MP3
Confirm the filename is exactly LockChime.wav
Test with a known-good file from direct downloads, or re-export yours through the audio converter
Still stuck? The troubleshooting guide covers every failure mode

FAQ

How do I change the custom lock sound on my Tesla Model S?

Put a WAV named LockChime.wav at Boombox/LockChime.wav on a FAT32 or exFAT USB drive, plug it into a USB port that carries data (the glovebox port on newer cars), and open Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound, then choose USB. To change it later, replace the file on the drive with a new one using the same name and path.

Does the Model S Plaid support custom lock sounds?

Yes. Plaid works the same as any 2021-refresh Model S: same USB path, same Boombox menu. Keep software current under Controls → Software.

Can a pre-2021 Model S get a custom lock sound?

No. The sound plays through the external pedestrian-warning speaker, which pre-2021 Model S cars don't have. A software update alone won't add the feature; the 2021 refresh or later is required.

Why isn't my Model S lock sound changing after I swapped the file?

Usually one of four things: the drive format (must be FAT32/exFAT), the exact path (Boombox/LockChime.wav), the filename case, or the Boombox source still reading a cached file. Reinsert the drive and re-select USB under Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound.

What file format does the Model S need?

A WAV file named exactly LockChime.wav. For clean playback we recommend 44.1 kHz, 16-bit PCM, 1–5 seconds, under 1 MB. Every download on this site is already exported that way.