The β phase (Al ₁₂Mg ₁₇) precipitated by heat treatment in some alloy compositions may result deterioration of corrosion resistance. However, much of its role remains unclear. The effect of the β phase on the corrosion resistance behavior in a NaCl solution was presented in this study. The specimen was Mg-9mass%Al (AM90) alloy and the content of the β phase precipitant was controlled systematically by aging time at 473 K. Area rate of β and lamellar phase in the specimens were 0, 10 and 100%, respectively. According to the results of cathodic polarization curves measurement, the corrosion current density of α phase was 0.215 A/m2 and β phase of it was 0.096 A/m2. While, the specimen includes 10% of β and lamellar phase showed large corrosion current density of 0.251 A/m2. Positive correlation between the β phase and the open circuit potential, suggest that the β phase acts as a cathodic electrode. Moreover, the microstructure after postentiostatic corrosion tests was also support the role of β phase.