In view of the application demand of high-performance magnesium alloys, surface hardness, friction-wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloys should be improved urgently. The novel solid processing technologies-friction stir processing and friction surfacing could generate severe material plastic deformation. Hence, they have been successfully applied to surface microstructure modification, preparation of surface composite and metal cladding layer on the magnesium alloys. Based on characteristics introduction of the friction stir processing and friction surfacing technology, the research status of friction processing technologies being applied to surface modification of magnesium alloy was reviewed in terms of techniques, microstructure evolution and performance improvement. The results of domestic and foreign studies showed that the friction stir processing could effectively refine grains on the surface of magnesium alloy, break up coarse second phase, introduce enhanced particles, achieve surface composite and further improve hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy. Friction surfacing technology could prepare non-diluted, integral and fine-grained metal cladding layer on the surface of magnesium alloy successfully, thus improving surface hardness and wear resistance of magnesium alloy. Based on the summary of the research status of friction-based processing technology applicable to surface modification of magnesium alloy, the development prospect of friction stir welding and friction surfacing of magnesium alloy was expected, the research direction to be further explored was put forward as well.