Posts and forum threads sometimes claim a 2026 update added lock sound profiles, schedules or a quieter volume. We checked the public release notes for three 2026 builds and found no Boombox or lock sound item in any of them:
| Build | Released | Boombox / lock sound item in the notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2026.2 | January 22, 2026 | None |
| 2026.8 | March 12, 2026 | None |
| 2026.14 | April 15, 2026 | None (it lists an "Immersive Sound Upgrade" and "Volume Icons", which are not Boombox features) |
We did not check every 2026 build, and release notes do not list every change. If you see a new lock sound option on your own car, that is real for your car; we just have no published source for it.
What stays the same
Custom lock sounds have been available since Tesla's 2023 Holiday Update (software 2023.44), and installation still goes through a USB drive: a WAV named LockChime.wav in a Boombox folder on a FAT32 or exFAT drive, selected under Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound. The step-by-step version is in our guide.
We have found no Tesla source for multiple lock sound profiles, scheduled lock sounds, or a lock sound volume schedule. Earlier versions of this article repeated forum claims about them; they are removed.
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How to update
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Go to Controls → Software.
- Install the update when it appears. Tesla shows an estimated time on the screen.
Checking your car after updating
- Open Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound and confirm your sound is still selected.
- If it is not, re-select it from the USB drive.
- Lock the car from outside and listen from where you park.
For what the 2026.8 notes do and do not say, see Tesla 2026.8: what actually changed for lock sounds. If a sound stops working after an update, see Tesla Lock Sound Resets After Update.
FAQ
Do the 2026 updates add scheduled lock sounds or multiple profiles?
We found no such item in the 2026.2, 2026.8 or 2026.14 release notes, and no other Tesla source. To switch sounds, rename the file you want to LockChime.wav on your USB drive.
Do I still need a USB drive?
Yes. Installing a custom lock sound goes through a USB drive with Boombox/LockChime.wav on it.
Do the 2026 updates change the LockChime.wav file requirements?
We found no release note that says so. The only hard requirement is a WAV file named exactly LockChime.wav. Our recommended settings are 44.1 kHz, 16-bit PCM, 1 to 5 seconds, under 1 MB.
Will an update reset my custom sound?
Some owners report it after updates, but we have no Tesla statement on it. After any update, check the Lock Sound setting and re-select your file if needed.