You may be able to prepare your custom lock chime without a computer. The key is a USB drive that your iPhone can access in Files and that your Tesla also supports.

Before you start

Check the car has the Lock Sound option and the required external speaker. Have your purchased WAV, a compatible USB drive, and a data connector or adapter for your iPhone. USB-C and Lightning phones may need different adapters.

Apple's list of supported storage formats is not a Tesla compatibility list. A drive opening on the phone does not by itself prove that the vehicle will recognise it. Check your vehicle manual and preserve existing recordings.

Copy the download in Files

  1. Download your purchased sound and locate it in the Files app. Check Downloads under iCloud Drive or On My iPhone.
  2. Connect the USB drive. In Files, tap Browse and look under Locations for the drive.
  3. Check the sound's filename is exactly LockChime.wav. Remove any numbered suffix from a repeated download.
  4. Copy the WAV, open the USB drive and paste it at the top level, outside existing folders. Replace the previous lock chime only if you intend to change it.
  5. Confirm the copied file appears on the drive, disconnect it and follow our in-car installation guide.

If the USB drive does not appear

Reconnect it and check that the adapter supports data. Some storage devices require additional power; Apple describes powered-adapter options in its guide. A computer may be needed if the drive needs preparation. Do not erase or reformat a drive containing recordings simply to add a chime.

Keep a copy of each sound

Store different downloaded chimes in separate named folders on your phone. Copy only the chosen LockChime.wav to the USB root when you want to switch. You cannot keep several files with the same name in the same location.

Preview a personalised name or create your own short goodbye.

Sources and further reading

Sources checked on 25 October 2026. Features and menus can vary by vehicle, region and software.