BackgroundDecline in cognitive function is considered a hallmark of schizophrenia, and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has developed as a promising tool for cognitive enhancement. ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the effect of tDCS on improving cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia, so as to provide references for clinical intervention of cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia. MethodsA computer-based systematic search was conducted on September 12, 2023 through CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases, and randomized controlled trials relevant to the efficacy of tDCS for management of cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia were collected. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Trials (RoB 2.0). ResultsA total of 17 articles were included, including 953 patients with schizophrenia. TDCS has an improvement effect on cognitive functions such as information processing speed, attention, working memory, executive function and learning ability in patients with schizophrenia. ConclusiontDCS may have an effect on improving cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia. [Funded by Lanzhou Health Science and Technology Development Project (number, 2021024)]