Aqueous Zn iodine battery (AZIDB) is recognized as one of the most promising energy storage devices in the future electric power storage area due to its high theoretical specific capacity, superior energy density, good rate capability, abundant and low-cost of raw materials and high safety. However, the shuttle effect of polyiodide seriously increases the self-discharge current, decreases the Coulombic efficiency and shortens the cycle life of AZIDB, further limiting the large-scale application. In this review, the configuration of AZIDB, the corresponding energy storage mechanism and the reasons of shuttle effect were represented. The suppression strategies of shuttle effect in AZIDB from cathode, electrolyte and separator aspects were described. In addition, we summarized the current problems and shared thoughts on the future research development in AZIDBs to provide a reference for promoting the industrialization of AZIDBs.