LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathode materials with high energy density, low cost possesses the potential to meet the development of next-generation lithium ion batteries for electrical vehicles. Nevertheless, the practical applications of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 were severely hindered by poor cycling stability, limited storage properties and insufficient safety due to the unstable structure with high nickel content. Though surface coating could effectively protect the cathode from electrolyte attack，it usually suffers deteriorative electronic and ion conductivity. In this report, LaAlO3 coating, which possesses high ion conductivity and stable structure, was firstly implemented via a simple solid method and extensively investigated with various techniques to clarify the coating effect. The sample with optimized LaAlO3 coating content (3.0 wt%) showed significantly improved cycle stability with a high capacity retention of 84.5% after 200 cycles at 1.0 C，which is about two times higher than that of the pristine (40.6%). And some further investigations also demonstrated the enhanced structural stability, suppressed side reactions and facilitated lithium ion diffusion kinetics. •LaAlO3 coated on nickel-rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 cathodes is firstly reported.•The Li2CO3 impurity could be consumed by LaAlO3 coating.•The dissolution behavior of Mn is restrained by LaAlO3 coating.•The cycling stability of LaAlO3 coated LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 is greatly improved.