To evaluate the antifungal activity of minocycline (MIN), this study followed the methodological framework of a scoping review, systematically searched Chinese and English databases, and included 36 studies for inductive analysis. Results showed that MIN has a narrow direct antifungal spectrum, mainly acting on some Candida albicans strains. However, when combined with antifungal agents, it exerted a significant synergistic effect against various drug-resistant fungi. Its direct mechanisms included inhibiting hyphal transition and biofilm formation, as well as inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. The synergistic mechanisms involved disrupting calcium homeostasis, destroying biofilm structure, increasing cell membrane permeability, interfering with amino acid metabolism and depending on the ergosterol biosynthesis gene 3 (ERG3). Both in vitro and in vivo studies consistently confirmed its efficacy, though it was affected by factors such as biofilm maturity, combination regimens and strain differences. MIN had clear antifungal potential, supported by substantial evidence on its mechanisms and preclinical data, but clinical translation remained inadequate. Future efforts should focus on conducting high-level preclinical validation and proof-of-concept clinical trials to clarify its efficacy, safety and optimal treatment regimens in humans, thereby promoting its clinical application.