Silver-modified TiO2 microspheres (SMTMs) have been synthesized via a facile in-situ Ag-loading method that controlled hydrolysis of tetrabutyltitanate (TBOT) in a mixed solution of ethanol and AgNO3. The physical and chemical properties of SMTMs were studied by SEM, XRD, XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The state of silver species was measured by the XPS technique. The photocatalytic activity of the SMTMs was evaluated by photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (Rh B) aqueous solution under visible light irradiation. The experimental results showed that the SMTMs exhibited a much better photocatalytic activity than that of PT (pure TiO2) and P25 (commercial TiO2). Display omitted •In-situ Ag-loading method is a potential technique for the fabrication of the SMTMs.•The photocatalytic activities of the products on the removing of Rh B were evaluated.•The SMTMs showed the highest photocatalytic activity under visible light irradiation.