Do you own a Tesla Model Y and want to turn heads wherever you go? Imagine your car coming alive with a synchronized spectacle of lights and music! The Tesla Light Show is a truly unique and engaging feature that transforms your vehicle into a dazzling display, perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply for showing off your car's incredible capabilities. Let's dive into how you can unleash this mesmerizing experience. ✨
Step 1: Getting Started – Your Tesla's Built-in Light Show
First things first, let's explore the pre-loaded light show that comes with your Tesla Model Y. This is the simplest way to experience the magic without any external files.
1.1: Accessing the Toybox
Ensure your Tesla Model Y is parked in a safe and open area. Remember, the light show involves moving parts like windows and the trunk, so you need ample space around the vehicle.
On your Tesla's large center touchscreen, tap the app launcher (the three dots icon at the bottom of the screen).
From the various apps, select "Toybox". This is where Tesla keeps all its fun and quirky features!
1.2: Initiating the Light Spectacle
Within the Toybox, locate and tap on "Light Spectacle" (it might also be labeled "Light Show").
You'll see options for the pre-loaded song. You can adjust the volume to your preference. For the best experience, especially in a quiet environment, consider setting it to max!
You'll also see a checkbox for "Dance Moves". If you want the full experience with the windows and trunk moving, ensure this is checked. If you just want the lights to flash without the vehicle "dancing," uncheck it.
You can choose to start the show "Now" or set a "Scheduled Time" for it to begin later.
Once you've made your selections, tap "Confirm".
1.3: Enjoying the Show!
After confirming, you'll likely see a countdown timer on your screen.
Crucially, exit the vehicle and close all doors. The light show will automatically begin once the countdown expires and the car is locked.
Step back and enjoy the spectacle! For the most dramatic effect, try to find a darker environment where the lights can really pop. If you can, park your Model Y facing a vertical surface like a wall – this helps the light patterns become even more visible.
You can stop the light show at any time by tapping "Stop" on the touchscreen or within the Tesla app.
Step 2: Unleashing Your Creativity – Custom Light Shows
This is where things get really exciting! Tesla generously provides tools for owners to create their own custom light shows. This means you can choreograph your Model Y's lights, windows, and trunk movements to any music you choose!
2.1: Understanding the Essentials
To run a custom light show, you'll need a few things:
A USB flash drive.
A computer with the xLights software installed.
An audio file for your chosen music (ideally a .wav, but .mp3 also works).
A .fseq file – this is the light show sequence file, which you'll create using xLights.
2.2: Preparing Your USB Drive
Format your USB stick: It must be formatted in one of the following formats: exFAT, FAT32 (for Windows users), or MS-DOS FAT (for Mac users). NTFS is currently not supported.
Create a specific folder: On the root level of your USB drive, create a main folder named exactly "LightShow". Pay close attention to the capitalization!
File Naming Convention: Inside the "LightShow" folder, you'll place your light show files. Each custom show needs two files:
A .fseq file (the light show data).
A .mp3 or .wav file (the music).
The names of these two files must match exactly (e.g.,
MyAwesomeShow.fseqandMyAwesomeShow.wav).
Multiple Shows: You can store multiple custom light shows on a single USB stick (requires vehicle software version 2023.44.25+ or newer). Just make sure each pair of
.fseqand audio files has unique matching names.Important Restrictions: Your USB stick cannot contain a base-level folder named "TeslaCam" (used for Dashcam/Sentry Mode) or any map update/firmware update files. It's best to use a dedicated USB for light shows.
2.3: Creating Your Custom Show with xLights
This is the most involved part, requiring some patience and creativity. Tesla provides an open-source guide and project directory on GitHub for using xLights.
2.3.1: Downloading and Setting Up xLights
Visit the xLights Downloads page to download and install the application on your computer.
Download and unzip the
tesla_xlights_show_folder.zipfrom Tesla's GitHub repository. This provides the basic project structure and the 3D Tesla vehicle model you'll use in xLights.Open the xLights application.
Crucial Setting: Go to
File > Preferences > Sequences > FSEQ Versionand select "V2 Uncompressed". This is vital for your show to work on the Tesla.In xLights, go to
File > Select Show Folderand navigate to the unzipped Tesla xLights project directory you downloaded.
2.3.2: Choreographing Your Show
Select the Layout tab to view the 3D Tesla vehicle model. Ensure the "3D preview" checkbox is selected.
Go to
File > New Sequenceand choose "Musical Sequence".Select your chosen
.wavor.mp3audio file.In the Wizard tab, select "Custom". Set the Frame interval to 20ms (recommended for most uses).
Select "Quick Start" and wait for the sequencer to load.
Now the fun begins! In the Sequencer tab, you'll see a timeline and various "channels" representing different parts of your Tesla (headlights, tail lights, fog lights, turn signals, windows, trunk, etc.).
You'll use xLights' tools to drag and drop effects onto these channels, synchronizing them with your music. This is where your creativity shines! You can make lights flash, fade, change color (for supported lights), and control the movement of your Model Y's windows and trunk.
There's a maximum of 651 effects allowed per show. Tesla provides a Python validator script to check if you're within the parameters.
Plenty of online resources and tutorials exist for using xLights in general, which can be helpful for understanding the interface and effect types.
2.3.3: Exporting Your Show
Once you're satisfied with your masterpiece, save your xLights project.
Then, you need to export your sequence as an .fseq file. Ensure the
.fseqfile and your audio file have the exact same name (e.g.,MyCustomJam.fseqandMyCustomJam.mp3).Place both of these files into the "LightShow" folder on your prepared USB drive.
2.4: Playing Your Custom Light Show ▶️
Insert the prepared USB flash drive into one of the front USB ports or the glovebox USB port in your Tesla Model Y. Wait a few seconds for the car to recognize it.
On your Tesla's touchscreen, go back to the "Toybox" and select "Light Spectacle".
If your USB drive is correctly formatted and the files are named correctly, you should now see your custom light show(s) listed as options in a drop-down menu (it might say "Custom Light Show" or show the name of your file).
Select your custom show, adjust volume and "Dance Moves" if desired, then tap "Confirm".
Just like with the built-in show, exit the car and close all doors to start the performance!
Step 3: Pro Tips for an Epic Light Show
Choose the Right Location: A dark, open space with a solid backdrop (like a building wall) is ideal for maximizing the visual impact of your light show. Avoid tight spaces like garages, as the trunk and windows will move during the show.
Volume Matters: Ensure your external speaker volume is set appropriately for your audience and surroundings.
Battery Level: While a light show doesn't consume a massive amount of power, it's always a good idea to have a decent battery charge before starting a long show.
Community Shows: If creating your own show from scratch seems daunting, the Tesla community is incredibly active! Websites like TeslaLightShare offer hundreds of free, pre-made light shows that you can download and use. Just follow the USB preparation steps (Step 2.2) to load them onto your car.
Multi-Vehicle Shows: For an even grander spectacle, you can coordinate light shows across multiple Teslas! Each vehicle simply needs to have the same light show file and be set to start at the exact same scheduled time. Tesla's recent software updates (as of late 2024/early 2025) have made this even easier, allowing for coordinated shows with up to eight vehicles.
Stay Updated: Tesla frequently releases software updates that may enhance the Light Show feature, adding new capabilities or improving existing ones. Keep your Model Y's software up to date to enjoy the latest enhancements. Recent updates have added features like "Light Sync" for ambient lighting to react to music, and increased the maximum show length to up to four hours!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to: Turn on the Tesla Light Show from the Tesla App?
You can initiate a light show from your Tesla app by going to the "Toybox" section, selecting "Light Show," and following the prompts to schedule or start the show.
How to: Download Custom Tesla Light Shows?
You can find and download custom .fseq and audio files from community websites like TeslaLightShare.io.
How to: Format a USB Drive for Tesla Light Shows?
Format your USB drive as exFAT, FAT32 (Windows), or MS-DOS FAT (Mac). Create a root folder named "LightShow" and place your matching .fseq and audio files inside.
How to: Create My Own Tesla Light Show?
You can create your own light show using the free, open-source xLights software. Download the Tesla xLights project files from GitHub and follow the guidelines to choreograph lights and movements to your chosen music.
How to: Troubleshoot a Custom Light Show Not Appearing?
Ensure your USB drive is formatted correctly (exFAT, FAT32, or MS-DOS FAT), the "LightShow" folder is at the root level, and your .fseq and audio files have identical names within that folder. Also, confirm the USB doesn't contain a "TeslaCam" folder.
How to: Make the Tesla Dance During the Light Show?
When selecting a light show, ensure the "Dance Moves" checkbox is enabled on your Tesla's screen. This allows the windows and trunk to move in sync with the lights and music.
How to: Play a Light Show with Multiple Teslas?
To synchronize multiple Teslas, each car needs to have the same custom light show file on a USB drive. Then, from the "Light Spectacle" menu, set a precise, identical scheduled start time for all participating vehicles.
How to: Get the Best Visual Experience from a Light Show?
Perform the light show in a dark environment and, if possible, face the car towards a flat, vertical surface like a wall or garage door to maximize the visibility of the light patterns.
How to: Stop a Tesla Light Show Mid-Performance?
You can stop an active light show by tapping "Stop" on the Tesla's touchscreen or within the Tesla mobile app.
How to: Stay Updated on New Tesla Light Show Features?
Regularly check for and install Tesla's over-the-air software updates, as new Light Show functionalities and improvements are often included in these releases.
