The safety problems of lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have been the main obstacles that hinder their broad applications in portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and energy storage. Such problems originate from flammable solvent-containing liquid electrolytes that could be easily oxidized upon excessive heat, leading to further heat accumulation and, subsequently, thermal runaway. The design strategies of a safe electrolyte could control the flammability and volatility of the liquid electrolyte, might prevent the thermal runaway, and ultimately ensure the risk-free and fire-free operation of LIBs. This work is to explore the mechanism of thermal runaway and review the state-of-the-art of the designs of a safe electrolyte for LIBs, including the additions of flame retardant additives, overcharge additives, and stable lithium salts and the adoption of solid-state electrolytes, ionic liquid electrolytes, and thermosensitive electrolytes. The features, advantages, and drawbacks of these strategies are systematically summarized, compared, and discussed, while the development direction of a safer electrolyte for future LIBs is proposed in the end.