Delayed graft function (DGF) is a common complication of renal transplantation. According to a clinical data analysis of 34,647 cases of cadaveric renal transplantation documented by the Renal Transplantation Registry of the United Network Sharing (UNOS), graft function did not recover instantly after transplantation and for ever in some cases; the 1-year rate of graft loss was up to 20% in cases with poor renal function recovery; the long-term loss rate of graft was higher in cases with poor renal function recovery than those with instant graft function. The half-life time of graft is 7 years in cases with delayed graft function, and is 12 years in cases with instant graft function. Based on our 30 years of experience in renal transplantation and the literature, we reviewed the diagnosis and management of DGF.