The invention discloses a method for improving the performance of a protective layer on the surface of a magnet. The method comprises the following steps: pre-treating the magnet; electroplating Zn onthe surface of the magnet to form a base layer; and preparing a ZnAl coating on the base layer so as to form a Zn/ZnAl composite protective layer on the surface of the magnet. According to the invention, before the Zn electroplating process, the magnet does not need to be activated or pre-plated. After the Zn electroplating process, the magnet does not need to be passivated through a Cr+3 solution. Therefore, the cost is reduced and the Zn-plated base layer is thinner. The traditional electroplating process can be reduced and the electroplating time is greatly shortened. As a result, the electroplating energy consumption is reduced, and the damage and defects of the material caused by a complex process and long-time soaking in a plating solution are reduced. The adjustable range of the thickness of the ZnAl coating is large. The thickness of the Zn/ZnAl composite protective layer is reduced by half compared with that of a traditional coating/plating layer under the condition that saltmist and damp-heat performance are met. Therefore, the magnetic attenuation caused by an air gap generated by the thickness of a plating layer can be reduced. The application of the magnet in devicesis facilitated.