The olivine structure lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) is considered as one of the promising lithium ion batteries cathode materials for its high theoretical specific capacity, excellent reversibility, thermal stability, environmental friendliness, and low cost. However, the application of LiFePO4 in vehicle power battery was hindered by its poor electronic and ionic conductivity. To solve these problems, various strategies, including surface coating, element doping, and particle size reduction were proposed. In this review, we summed up some recent researches on surface modification of LiFePO4 and explained the mechanisms of modification. Moreover, the defects and advantages of these modification methods were discussed. Finally, an outlook for the surface modifications of LiFePO4 cathode materials was given. (C) The Author(s) 2017. Published by ECS. All rights reserved.