The rapid industrial growth has led to significant water contamination by heavy metals, necessitating immediate solutions. Adsorbent materials, particularly those based on cellulose and its derivatives, are preferred for wastewater treatment due to their cost-effectiveness, simplicity, effectiveness, and scalability. Hydrogels, with their ability to absorb large volumes of water and undergo surface chemical modifications, offer significant advantages in heavy metal removal. This review highlights recent advances in the application of cellulose-based hydrogels for treating heavy metal-contaminated wastewater. The adsorption properties of these materials can be widely modified, with adsorption capacities ranging from 2.3 to 2240 mg/g for different heavy metal ions. The review also discusses the potential for developing new hydrogels with improved sorption performances, aiming to enhance their practical application in real scenarios. Key topics include the synthesis methods of cellulose-based hydrogels, mechanisms of heavy metal adsorption, and selected applications. The review concludes by discussing future trends and directions to bridge the gap between laboratory research and practical application, emphasizing the potential of cellulose-based hydrogels in heavy metal ion removal from water.The rapid industrial growth has led to significant water contamination by heavy metals, necessitating immediate solutions. Adsorbent materials, particularly those based on cellulose and its derivatives, are preferred for wastewater treatment due to their cost-effectiveness, simplicity, effectiveness, and scalability. Hydrogels, with their ability to absorb large volumes of water and undergo surface chemical modifications, offer significant advantages in heavy metal removal. This review highlights recent advances in the application of cellulose-based hydrogels for treating heavy metal-contaminated wastewater. The adsorption properties of these materials can be widely modified, with adsorption capacities ranging from 2.3 to 2240 mg/g for different heavy metal ions. The review also discusses the potential for developing new hydrogels with improved sorption performances, aiming to enhance their practical application in real scenarios. Key topics include the synthesis methods of cellulose-based hydrogels, mechanisms of heavy metal adsorption, and selected applications. The review concludes by discussing future trends and directions to bridge the gap between laboratory research and practical application, emphasizing the potential of cellulose-based hydrogels in heavy metal ion removal from water.