/ model 3 install
Tesla Model 3 Lock Sound: Install Guide
The Model 3 is the most common Tesla on TeslaLockSound's install funnel. Boombox works on Model 3 units built September 2019 or later, once the car is on the Holiday Update (software 2023.44 or newer). The only platform shift is the 2024+ Highland refresh, which moved the front data ports to USB-C only.
Quick spec
- File path
- Boombox/LockChime.wav
- USB filesystem
- FAT32 or exFAT (not NTFS, not APFS)
- Port (Highland 2024+)
- Front USB-C (glovebox / console)
- Port (2017–2023)
- Front USB-A (glovebox)
- Audio format
- WAV, 44.1 kHz, 16-bit PCM, 1–5 s
- Software floor
- Holiday Update 2023.44+
Steps
Download a sound
Pick from the library, or generate one with AI voice. Save the .wav locally.
Format your USB
FAT32 or exFAT. Any size works, even 64 MB. Empty stick recommended.
Make a /Boombox folder
Create one folder named exactly Boombox at the USB root. Capital B, case-sensitive.
Drop the WAV in /Boombox/
The file must be named exactly LockChime.wav. It is the only name Tesla recognizes.
Plug into a front USB port
Model 3/Y: front console port (USB-C on newer builds, USB-A on older). S/X and CT: center console.
Model 3 port note
Highland (2024+): glovebox or front USB-C only, USB-A ports were removed in the refresh. Pre-Highland (2017–2023): glovebox front USB-A. Rear ports are power-only.
Lock the car
Walk away or hit the key fob. Your sound plays through the external speaker.
Most common Model 3 failure: rear-port plug
The rear-console USB ports on Model 3 are power-only. If your USB is there, the Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound source dropdown will show USB as greyed out / unavailable, even with a correctly-formatted drive. Move the stick to a front port and retry. The USB option appears within ~2 seconds of insertion.
FAQ
Which Model 3 USB port works for Boombox?
Use a front data USB port: glovebox or center console. On the 2024+ Highland refresh these are USB-C; on 2017–2023 Model 3 they are USB-A. Rear console USB ports are power-only and will not show the USB option in Boombox.
Does the Model 3 Highland (2024+) support custom lock sounds?
Yes. Highland fully supports the same Boombox/LockChime.wav workflow as earlier Model 3s. The only change is the USB connector: Highland front data ports are USB-C only, so use a USB-C drive or a USB-A-to-C adapter.
What's the most common Model 3 install failure?
Plugging into a rear (power-only) port. The USB option in Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound will stay greyed out until the drive is moved to a front data port (glovebox or center console).