Combined with the research results of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) at home and abroad,the spark discharge mechanism and the growth process of the ceramic coatings were summarized, and the effects of electrolyte solution composition,power types,operating modes,electrical parameters and substrate materials on the performance of the MAO coatings were introduced. According to the recent development status of application of the MAO technology in surface treatment of magnesium alloys,the optimization methods by pore sealing techniques were introduced and analyzed. Especially,the in-situ pore sealing technique was emphasized for its simpler process. In the meantime,the development trend and application prospect of MAO technology on magnesium alloys were presented.