In this study, the effects of magnetized 2-octanol at different magnetization times and magnetic field intensities on the flotation performance of low-rank coal were investigated with the aim of recycling more concentrate. The mechanism of magnetized 2-octanol enhancing the floatability of low-rank coal was also elucidated in this investigation. After 2-octanol was subjected to the magnetized pretreatment, interfacial tension of 2-octanol and pulp conditioned with magnetized 2-octanol gradually decreased. The flotation results showed that clean coal yield was improved, while the clean coal ash barely changed. Therefore, magnetized 2-octanol have a significant effect on low-rank coal flotation.