Microplastic migration in porous media is an important but under-researched phenomenon. Most microplastic studies focus on aquatic environments, but understanding their movement through soil and groundwater is critical for assessing environmental risks. This review summarizes experimental advances in microplastic migration, emphasizing factors influencing their movement. Microplastic migration is affected by environmental conditions and their physical properties, such as surface charge and functional groups, as well as soil organisms. Research at the macro-scale (greater than 1 m) typically involves field sampling and modeling to study migration patterns. At the meso-scale (less than 1 cm), filled sand columns are used to generate breakthrough curves and retention profiles. At the micro-scale (less than 1 mm), lab-on-a-chip devices are used to visualize microplastic movement in pores. Current studies mainly use industrially produced spherical microplastics, with limited attention to macro- and micro-scale studies. Plastics are widely used due to their stability and low cost, but they break down into microplastics (<5 mm) over time, posing environmental and health risks. Microplastics have been found in various environments, including aquatic, terrestrial, and even human bodies, highlighting their widespread presence. They can accumulate in ecosystems and affect human health, including potential damage to the immune system and cancer risk. Microplastics also impact subterranean environments, serving as a reservoir for plastic waste. However, research on soil microplastics remains limited, requiring further investigation. Studies on microplastics in porous media have focused on sources, distribution, detection, ecotoxicity, and environmental behavior. However, little is known about their migration mechanisms. This review aims to understand the factors influencing microplastic migration and analyze the mechanisms. It also outlines progress in research at three scales: macroscopic (above 1 m), mesoscopic (below 1 cm), and microscopic (below 1 mm). The review highlights the importance of understanding microplastic migration for assessing environmental risks and developing prevention strategies.Microplastic migration in porous media is an important but under-researched phenomenon. Most microplastic studies focus on aquatic environments, but understanding their movement through soil and groundwater is critical for assessing environmental risks. This review summarizes experimental advances in microplastic migration, emphasizing factors influencing their movement. Microplastic migration is affected by environmental conditions and their physical properties, such as surface charge and functional groups, as well as soil organisms. Research at the macro-scale (greater than 1 m) typically involves field sampling and modeling to study migration patterns. At the meso-scale (less than 1 cm), filled sand columns are used to generate breakthrough curves and retention profiles. At the micro-scale (less than 1 mm), lab-on-a-chip devices are used to visualize microplastic movement in pores. Current studies mainly use industrially produced spherical microplastics, with limited attention to macro- and micro-scale studies. Plastics are widely used due to their stability and low cost, but they break down into microplastics (<5 mm) over time, posing environmental and health risks. Microplastics have been found in various environments, including aquatic, terrestrial, and even human bodies, highlighting their widespread presence. They can accumulate in ecosystems and affect human health, including potential damage to the immune system and cancer risk. Microplastics also impact subterranean environments, serving as a reservoir for plastic waste. However, research on soil microplastics remains limited, requiring further investigation. Studies on microplastics in porous media have focused on sources, distribution, detection, ecotoxicity, and environmental behavior. However, little is known about their migration mechanisms. This review aims to understand the factors influencing microplastic migration and analyze the mechanisms. It also outlines progress in research at three scales: macroscopic (above 1 m), mesoscopic (below 1 cm), and microscopic (below 1 mm). The review highlights the importance of understanding microplastic migration for assessing environmental risks and developing prevention strategies.