The invention relates to a method for extracting indium from indium-containing waste and is characterized in that as the process of adding nitric acid is adopted for the acid leaching process, the leaching rate and extraction rate of indium are improved. The invention includes the steps of acid leaching, reduction, sedimentation, hydrochloric acid dissolving, replacement, secondary replacement and ingot casting. The indium-containing waste is processed through the steps and can be cast into crude indium ingots.