The exceptional characteristics of magnesium alloys make them appropriate materials in various applications, although their low corrosion resistance critically limits their use. Sol-gel coating is among the most efficient ways to avoid corrosion, and silanes/siloxane polymers play a very essential role in the formation of sol-gel coating materials. These materials form very stable chemical bonds on surfaces of metals because of their siloxane (-Si-O-) network along with their thermal and chemical stability. In this work, the current progress of silane-based coatings on magnesium alloys is reviewed. First, we have focused on hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel coatings using silanes and then a critical examination of protection effects of these coatings on a magnesium alloy. Modification methods of these coatings to achieve improved barrier properties have also been emphasized along with the role of silanes in the making of superhydrophobic surfaces. The recent development of silanes as outstanding precursors was also highlighted.