Abstract: As a strategic, rare, and non‑renewable resource critical to national security and the development of high‑tech industries, helium urgently requires efficient exploration to reduce China’s high external dependence and address key technological bottlenecks. The progress of helium exploration and development in China is constrained by the complex accumulation mechanisms, insufficiently targeted technologies, and large variations in technical applicability across different geological settings. This paper systematically reviews the global research status, recent advances, and practical applications of geophysical exploration for helium. Based on clarifying helium’s physical and chemical properties, geological settings, and resource distribution in China, this paper synthesizes key geophysical methods (well logging, seismic, electromagnetic methods), summarizes their principles, applications, and limitations, and establishes a complete technical framework for helium geophysical exploration. Results show that radioactive decay of crustal uranium and thorium is the primary source of commercial helium. Helium accumulation is mainly controlled by U‑ and Th‑rich source rocks, deep‑rooted fault migration pathways, high‑quality reservoir‑seal assemblages, and valid traps. This paper summarizes the advantages and progress of spectral gamma ray, conventional, imaging, and nuclear magnetic resonance logging in helium source rock evaluation and reservoir characterization. It also reviews innovative applications of seismic exploration in structural analysis and trap delineation, breakthroughs of electromagnetic methods (e.g., wide‑field electromagnetic), and the performance of joint gravity‑magnetic‑electrical‑seismic exploration. Using case studies from the Gonghe, Weihe, and Tarim Basins in China and the Lake Rukwa area in Tanzania, this paper summarizes suitable geophysical strategies for helium reservoirs under varied geological conditions and accumulation types, and clarifies the strengths and weaknesses of each technique. Key challenges include difficulties in acquiring deep and ultra‑deep data, incomplete theoretical and technical standards, and strong non‑uniqueness of single methods. Future directions are highlighted: intelligent, high‑precision, and multi‑method integrated exploration. By systematically synthesizing advances in helium geophysical exploration, this review clarifies the technological evolution, identifies research hotspots and gaps, and provides a clear theoretical and technical framework for future studies. It has significant academic value and practical implications for standardizing helium exploration, improving discovery efficiency, and safeguarding national helium security.