In recent years, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) has attracted much attention due to its unique properties and excellent performance in the field of sensors, which has inspired the authors to compile this review. Although there are many reviews on the synthesis and applications of g-C 3 N 4 materials, a targeted, systematic, comprehensive summary of applications in sensors and the sensing mechanisms of g-C 3 N 4-based nanomaterials have not been published. In this review, the preparation methods and synthetic conditions for preparing g-C 3 N 4 with different morphologies, such as conventional bulk g-C 3 N 4 , g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets, and g-C 3 N 4 quantum dots, are introduced in detail. By reviewing recent advances in g-C 3 N 4-based nanomaterials in ion sensors, biosensors, gas sensors and humidity sensors, this study provides more comprehensive and in-depth information for the further design of g-C 3 N 4based sensors with enhanced performance. A brief outlook of g-C 3 N 4-based sensors is presented as the conclusion of this review.