A multicast bearer management method includes: in a process of receiving service data of a single cell-multimedia broadcast multicast service traffic channel SC-MTCH, suspending a single cell-multimedia broadcast multicast service point to multipoint radio bearer SC-MRB corresponding to the SC-MTCH when there is a first type of data to be received; and when reception of the first type of data is completed, restoring or releasing the SC-MRB based on a temporary mobile group identity TMGI and/or a session identity corresponding to the SC-MRB. The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention can prevent frequent release and establishment of SC-MRBs, thereby saving network resources and power of a terminal device.