The work aims to provide the summary of research on fluorescent hydrogels in anti-counterfeiting and explore their potential of being used as a new anti-counterfeiting device. The fluorescent hydrogels were classified based on the different types of fluorescent emission sources and the progress of research was reviewed in three areas:preparation, functional response mechanism, and application. Relevant literature was reviewed to provide an up-to-date overview of the latest progress in information anti-counterfeiting. Fluorescent hydrogels could be classified into 6 categories based on the introduced fluorescent emission sources, namely carbon points, lanthanides, organic fluorescent agents, aggregation-induced dyes, multiple emission sources, and other types. By adjusting the size and color changes, the encryption/decryption process could be achieved, thus enhancing the level of information security. In conclusion, fluorescent hydrogel is a functional material with unique stimulus response, which has great significance in information security.