Abstract High power laser–metal inert gas (MIG) hybrid welding of AZ31 Mg alloys was studied. Microstructure and fracture surface of welded joints were observed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The mechanical properties of welded joints were evaluated by tensile test. Under the optimal welding parameters, the stable process and sound joints were obtained. The tensile strength efficiency of welded joints recovered 84–98% of the substrate. It was found that the arc was compressed and stabilized by the laser beam during the hybrid welding. The compressed extent of arc column increased with laser power, and the process stability could be improved by increasing laser power and arc current or slowing welding speed. The arc stabilized mechanism in laser–MIG hybrid welding of Mg alloys was summarized in two factors. First, the laser keyhole fixes the arc root and improves the igniting ability of the arc. Second, the electromagnetic force is downward and increased by the laser–arc interaction, which prevents the overheating of the droplet and smoothes droplet transfer from the wire to the weld pool.