Phytic acid coatings on the surface of AZ31 magnesium alloys are prepared by immersion method. Then cell culture and detection of cell survival rate on treated or untreated AZ31 magnesium alloy with phytic acid is carried out by the direct method and the indirect method respectively,and surface morphology and chemical composition of coatings are studied by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometer. The results show that uniform phytic acid coating forms on the surface of magnesium alloy,and there is a similar cell survival rate on the treated or untreated AZ31 magnesium alloy surface. But the adhesive ability of cells on the surface of phytic acid modification magnesium alloy is significantly different. Phytic acid modification can effectively improve the cell adhesion properties of AZ31 magnesium alloy.