A previous study by the authors reported that a MnCe based conversion coating protects the surface of LZ91 magnesium alloy from corrosion. However, the acidic permanganate solution decomposes after several days of storage and this significantly affects the properties of the coating. To address this problem, this study presents a method to stabilize the acidic permanganate bath by adding pyrophosphate into the bath. The results show that all conversion coatings are amorphous and comprise two layers: a porous layer that contacts the substrate and a compact overlay. Coatings that are produced using a bath with Ce are more resistant to corrosion than those that are produced in a bath without Ce ions. Coatings that are stored in the MnCe bath for 2 weeks are significantly less resistant to corrosion than coatings that are produced using an as-prepared MnCe bath. The salt spray test results of coatings that are produced using the as-prepared bath and stored for 2 weeks are found similar because the bath is rendered more stable by the addition of pyrophosphate. Display omitted •Comparative study on corrosion behavior of Mn-Ce-P, MnP and MnCe conversion coatings on LZ91.•Fabrication of a thin, compact and few-cracking conversion coating on LZ91.•The addition of pyrophosphate increases the stability of the MnCe conversion coating solution.•Cracks were harmful to the corrosion resistance of manganese-based conversion coating on LZ91.•A Mn-Ce-P coating decreases the corrosion area to about 10% after 72 h of the SST on LZ91.