High production for C-4 olefins as a byproduct in naphtha crackers has stimulated researchers to explore different separation options. Adsorptive separation has been targeted to separate C-4 olefins. In this review, challenges and opportunities in the adsorptive separation of C-4 olefins using microporous zeolites are scrutinized and elaborated. C-4 olefins such as 1-butene, 2-butene, isobutene and butadiene are highly demanded in the petrochemical industry. Their similar properties require highly intensive distillation processes. Adsorptive separation offers lower energy cost, however in the past 70 years, there are limited studies on microporous zeolites for C-4 olefins separation. This review highlights the criteria to produce cost-effective adsorbents with shorter synthesis time, cheaper organic structure directing agent (OSDA), potentially higher capacity and improved regenerability properties. Among more than 200 frameworks, FAU, DDR and CHA are some potential frameworks which have been explored for separation of C-4 olefins. Recent development of these frameworks and their applications in C-4 olefins are carefully studied. It is expected that this review paper will stimulate further exploration of selected zeolites for adsorptive separation of C-4 olefins and open plethora applications in related separations.