diff --git a/helm/vitess/templates/_vttablet.tpl b/helm/vitess/templates/_vttablet.tpl
index a480acaf33e..ded11358c48 100644
--- a/helm/vitess/templates/_vttablet.tpl
+++ b/helm/vitess/templates/_vttablet.tpl
@@ -195,6 +195,7 @@ spec:
 
       # remove the old socket file if it is still around
       rm -f /vtdataroot/tabletdata/mysql.sock
+      rm -f /vtdataroot/tabletdata/mysql.sock.lock
 
 {{- end -}}