Abstract: Hydrogen is currently one of the most popular new energy sources, but the hydrogen storage problem limits its application. Magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials have advantages such as large hydrogen storage capacity, good cycling performance, and low cost. However, their high thermodynamic stability and poor kinetic performance limit their application. In recent decades, in order to improve the performance of magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials, many modification methods have been developed, effectively improving the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials. This article reviewed the research progress on modification methods of magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials both domestically and internationally in recent years, mainly including nanocrystalization, alloying, and the addition of catalysts. By analyzing data, the development prospects of this field were discussed. Finally, it was proposed that doping nanoscale catalysts is an important modification method for the future, and deepening the understanding of catalyst reaction mechanisms at the atomic level is also one of the current research focuses, which will stimulate novel and powerful methods for constructing high-performance magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials.