/ 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 every Model 3 from 2017 onward as long as software is on 2023.44.25 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
- 2023.44.25+
Steps
Format your USB as FAT32 or exFAT
NTFS and APFS are not readable by Boombox on Model 3. Use FAT32 for drives ≤32 GB or exFAT for larger drives.
Create the Boombox folder, place LockChime.wav inside
Final path on the USB: Boombox/LockChime.wav. Capital B and capital L are required on some firmware versions.
Insert into the front data USB port
Model 3 Highland (2024+): glovebox or front USB-C — USB-A ports were removed in the refresh. Pre-Highland (2017–2023): glovebox front USB-A. Rear ports are power-only and will not work.
Enable in Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound
On the touchscreen, navigate Toybox → Boombox → Lock Sound, then switch the source from Default to USB. Lock the car once to verify.
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).