/ model s install
Tesla Model S Lock Sound: Install Guide
Boombox works on every post-September-2019 Model S. The single most important thing to verify on Model S is the Pedestrian Warning Speaker (PWS): pre-PWS cars have no external speaker and physically cannot play a custom lock sound outside the cabin.
Quick spec
- File path
- Boombox/LockChime.wav
- USB filesystem
- FAT32 or exFAT
- Port (2021+ refresh)
- Center-console USB-C
- Port (2012–2020)
- Center-console USB-A
- Hardware requirement
- PWS (Sept-2019+ standard)
- Software floor
- 2023.44.25+
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 S port note
2021+ refresh: center-console USB-C. Legacy 2012–2020 Model S: center-console USB-A. Verify the Pedestrian Warning Speaker (PWS) is present first: pre-September-2019 cars without a PWS retrofit cannot play a lock sound outside the cabin.
Lock the car
Walk away or hit the key fob. Your sound plays through the external speaker.
Heads-up: pre-PWS Model S
Tesla started shipping the external Pedestrian Warning Speaker in September 2019 to meet US/EU electric-vehicle noise regulations. Pre-Sept-2019 Model S vehicles do not have this speaker and cannot play a lock sound outside the cabin. Even with the correct file, USB, and software, the Boombox menu will either be missing or the Lock Sound option will be greyed out.
FAQ
Does my pre-2019 Model S support custom lock sounds?
Pre-September-2019 Model S vehicles shipped without the external Pedestrian Warning Speaker (PWS) and cannot play a lock sound outside the cabin. Some pre-2019 cars were later fitted with a PWS at Tesla Service; if yours has the external speaker, Boombox should appear in Toybox after a software update.
Where is the Model S USB data port?
Center console, front-facing. On 2021+ refresh Model S it is USB-C. On legacy 2012–2020 Model S it is USB-A. The rear console ports are power-only and will not work with Boombox.
Why doesn't Boombox show in my Model S?
Two causes: (1) the car is pre-PWS and physically cannot do external audio, or (2) the software is older than 2023.44.25. Update to the latest software first; if Boombox still isn't there, the car likely lacks the PWS hardware.