Tesla Custom Lock Sound Not Working? 7 Fixes That Work
Custom Tesla lock sound not working? The cause is almost always one of four things: the filename isn't exactly LockChime.wav (case-sensitive), the USB isn't formatted as FAT32, the file isn't in the Boombox folder, or Boombox isn't enabled in Toybox settings. Here are all 7 fixes — and if your sound is too quiet after a recent update, see our Tesla lock sound too quiet fix. For the full LockChime.wav reference — format specs, download links, and every detail about the file itself — see our LockChime.wav guide.
1. Sound Won't Play
The Problem: Your custom LockChime.wav isn't playing when you lock/unlock.
The Fix:
LockChime.wav (case-sensitive — not lockchime.wav, Lockchime.WAV, or LockChime.mp3)2. Sound is Too Quiet
The Problem: You can barely hear your lock sound.
The Fix:
3. Sound is Distorted
The Problem: Your sound plays but sounds crackly or distorted.
The Fix:
4. USB Not Recognized
The Problem: Tesla doesn't see your USB drive.
The Fix:
5. Wrong Sound Playing
The Problem: The default sound plays instead of your custom one.
The Fix:
6. Sound Stopped Working After Update
The Problem: Your sound worked before but stopped after a software update.
The Fix:
7. Sound Plays at Wrong Times
The Problem: Your lock sound plays when it shouldn't.
The Fix:
Still Having Issues?
If none of these solutions work:
- Perform a soft reboot (hold both scroll wheels)
- Check the Tesla Forums for model-specific issues
- Contact us for personalized help
FAQ
Why won't my LockChime.wav play on my Tesla?
The most common reasons are: the filename isn't exactly LockChime.wav (case-sensitive — lockchime.wav won't work), the file isn't inside a folder named Boombox on the root of the USB drive, the USB isn't formatted as FAT32 or exFAT, or Sentry Mode isn't enabled. Check these four things first and you'll solve 95% of cases.
Does the folder name "Boombox" need to be capitalized?
Yes. Tesla's software is case-sensitive on this. The folder must be named Boombox (capital B, no spaces). boombox, BOOMBOX, or boom box will not be recognized. Same applies to the file: LockChime.wav with a capital L and C.
What format does my Tesla lock sound need to be?
WAV format, 44.1kHz sample rate, 16-bit PCM. The file must be named exactly LockChime.wav. MP3, AAC, and other formats won't work. If your sound is in a different format, use our free audio converter to convert it automatically.
How do I know if my USB drive is compatible with Tesla?
Format it as FAT32 (preferred) or exFAT. NTFS is not supported. Drives larger than 256GB can sometimes cause recognition issues — use a 32GB or 64GB drive if you have problems. Drives formatted on Mac should use MS-DOS (FAT) format, which is equivalent to FAT32.
My lock sound stopped working after a Tesla software update — what do I do?
After updates, Tesla sometimes resets the custom sound selection. Go to Controls > Safety & Security > Sentry Mode and re-select your sound from the USB drive. Make sure the USB is still inserted. In some cases, removing and reinserting the USB, then reselecting, is required to re-establish the connection.
Browse our Tesla lock sound library — 950+ free WAVs formatted for all Tesla models. Or jump to sounds curated for your specific vehicle: Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck. Once your sound is working, browse our 15 best Tesla lock sounds for 2026 for inspiration, or see how to get more Tesla lock sounds for the full guide on building your collection. Confused about the Lock Chime setting in your Tesla's menu? Our Tesla Lock Chime guide explains exactly what it is and how to customize it.