<p>Aqueous aluminum-ion batteries (AAIBs) are attracting growing interest due to their intrinsic safety, low cost, natural abundance, high volumetric capacity, and multielectron redox chemistry of aluminum. Although Al³⁺ participation allows theoretical three-electron transfer, aluminum anodes still suffer from hydrogen evolution, surface passivation, sluggish Al³⁺ desolvation and transport, debatable aluminum plating/stripping behaviors, nonuniform deposition, and poor cycling stability. This review summarizes recent progress in aluminum anodes for AAIBs and provides a mechanistic understanding of key degradation pathways associated with the aluminum and electrolyte interface. Particular attention is given to the unique physicochemical characteristics of Al³⁺, including its high charge density, strong hydration, and complexation behavior, which strongly influence ion transport, interfacial reactions, and the reversibility of deposition and stripping processes. Advances in surface modification, alloying strategies, microstructural regulation, and electrolyte optimization are critically evaluated based on their ability to stabilize the aluminum surface and enhance the reversibility of aluminum electrochemistry. Finally, key opportunities and future research directions are outlined, including operando and quantitative characterization, the design of a compatible electrolyte and anode, and performance evaluation under practical conditions. This review aims to establish fundamental principles and design strategies for achieving high-performance and durable AAIBs.</p>