THE LITTLE HELP DESK · 5 MIN READ
A new goodbye, in a few simple steps.
How to put a custom lock sound on a compatible Tesla using a USB drive. Start here, even if you have never changed a car sound before.
You’ll need a compatible vehicle with a Pedestrian Warning System (PWS), a working USB data connection, and your chosen sound. Check your vehicle first.
1Find the setting before you begin.
On your parked vehicle’s touchscreen, open Toybox → Boombox and look for Lock Sound and its USB or custom option. Wording and availability vary by software, model, and region. If the option is missing, check your vehicle’s current owner’s manual rather than assuming a new file will enable it.
2Download a little personality.
Choose a sound in our library, preview it, and select Download WAV. The file is named LockChime.wav. Your browser may add a number if you download more than once; rename the chosen file back to exactly LockChime.wav, keeping the capital L and C.
3Copy it to the root of your USB drive.
Back up important USB files before making changes. Put the sound directly on the drive, alongside existing folders — not inside TeslaCam or a Boombox folder. Leave working Dashcam and Sentry Mode files alone. You do not need to format a working drive just to add a sound.
4Use a USB port that carries data.
Reconnect the drive to a supported data port. Some ports are for charging only. Many vehicles use a glovebox data port, but check the manual for your model and year. Give the vehicle a moment to recognize the drive.
5Select your USB lock sound.
In the vehicle’s Lock Sound settings, select USB or the custom sound option. Menu labels can change, so use the setting available on your vehicle. This custom file is for the lock sound; it does not replace the driving horn or pedestrian warning system.
6Step outside and try your new goodbye.
With the vehicle safely parked, exit and lock it from outside in the normal way. Listen from a reasonable distance. If the sound is too loud or not to your taste, choose a quieter file or reduce it in the converter. Digital peak level does not predict loudness from every vehicle speaker.
Something not quite right?
Check the filename and location first, then the USB port and vehicle setting. Try one of our short library sounds to separate an audio-file issue from a vehicle or USB issue. Our troubleshooting guide walks through the checks in order.
A note on what we’ve verified.
Our downloads are checked for their file format. We do not claim they have been tested on every Tesla. Tesla’s manuals describe the Lock Sound feature and PWS requirement; the custom filename and root-folder workflow are also documented by the Tesla USB community. Always follow your vehicle’s manual if its instructions differ.
References & last review
Reviewed September 24, 2026. Vehicle feature details: Tesla Model 3 owner’s manual and Toybox documentation. Community implementation for the custom filename and USB root: TeslaUSB discussion. Check your current model and regional manual if the vehicle differs.
Need a little help? Send us a note. Or find your next sound.