Abstract: Magnesium alloys as a green light structural materials are widely used in industry. However, the poor corrosion resistance is a challenge which limits their wider application. Mg-Al series alloys exhibit better corrosion properties, as compared with other Mg alloys. The corrosion characteristics and mechanism of Mg-Al binary alloy are introduced. The influence of alloying elements on the corrosion performance is analyzed. The effects of heat treatment and deformation, especially hot rolling and extrusion deformation on the corrosion resistance of Mg-Al alloy are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of the commonly used protective technology on the surface of Mg-Al alloy are reviewed.