Solid-state batteries have been attracting wide attention for next generation energy storage devices due to the probability to realize higher energy density and superior safety performance compared with the state-of-the-art lithium ion batteries. However, there are still intimidating challenges for developing low cost and industrially scalable solid-state batteries with high energy density and stable cycling life for large-scale energy storage and electric vehicle applications. This review presents an overview on the scientific challenges, fundamental mechanisms, and design strategies for solid-state batteries, specifically focusing on the stability issues of solid-state electrolytes and the associated interfaces with both cathode and anode electrodes. First, we give a brief overview on the history of solid-state battery technologies, followed by introduction and discussion on different types of solid-state electrolytes. Then, the associated stability issues, from phenomena to fundamental understandings, are intensively discussed, including chemical, electrochemical, mechanical, and thermal stability issues; effective optimization strategies are also summarized. State-of-the-art characterization techniques and in situ and operando measurement methods deployed and developed to study the aforementioned issues are summarized as well. Following the obtained insights, perspectives are given in the end on how to design practically accessible solid-state batteries in the future. CONTENTS 1. Introduction 6822 2. Solid-State Battery Technologies 6822 2.1. Brief Overview of Solid-State Batteries and the Research History 6822 2.2. State-of-the-Art Solid-State Batteries 6823 2.3. Solid-State Batteries and Classifications 6824 2.4. Grand Challenges in Solid-State Batteries 6825 3. Categorizing and Comparing Various Solid-State Electrolytes 6825 3.1. Solid Polymer Electrolytes 6825 3.1.1.