Gallium-based liquid metal has the advantages of non-toxic, low melting point, low saturated vapor pressure, good fluidity, good thermal stability, high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity, etc. It is an ideal liquid coolant and lubricant in some extreme friction conditions in the nuclear industry, aerospace industry and medical equipment field. Based on the lubrication performance of gallium-based liquid metal, the physical and chemical properties (wettability, surface tension, melting point, thermal conductivity) and preparation methods of gallium-based liquid metal were reviewed. The lubrication characteristics and related applications of gallium-based liquid metal were introduced. The influencing factors and optimization methods of gallium-based liquid metal lubrication performance were summarized. Finally, the future development trend of gallium-based liquid metal as lubricant is prospected.