Metal coated optical fibers are suitable for detection and information transmission in extreme environments. At present, the research on metal coated optical fibers mainly focuses on: (1) the different preparation methods, including electroless plating, electroplating, sputtering, evaporation and molten metal method, and comparing the effects of different process parameters on metal coating quality; (2) characterization and evaluation methods of metalcoated optical fiber coating quality, mechanical properties, and macrobending loss performance; (3) application scenarios of metal coated optical fibers. This paper reviewed the research progress of the preparation methods and properties, summarized the current problems, and provided references for the scientific research and development of metal coated optical fibers.