Zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) were modified by decorating with silver (Ag) nanoparticles to enhance visible absorption. The morphology, structure and optical properties of the modified ZnO NRs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Photodetectors (PDs) based on the modified ZnO NRs successfully detected visible radiation. The result showed high performance of the visible sensor (λ = 400 nm) with a maximum responsivity of 46 mA W−1. The photoconductive gain of Ag/ZnO NR-based PDs was 5.8 times higher than that of pure ZnO NR ones. With their enhanced visible absorption, the multi-modified ZnO NRs are suitable for practical applications, especially in optoelectronic devices operating in the visible region.