Lithium-rich nickel–manganese–cobalt oxide, Li[Ni0.17Li0.2Co0.07Mn0.56]O2, was prepared by a co-precipitation method, and its cyclic behavior at a high potential was investigated. The as-prepared material shows a rapid capacity fading in its initial several cycles when it was operated above 4.5V, which could be significantly improved through a pre-cycling treatment. Its reversible capacity in the range of 4.8–2V could be increased from 200 to 250mAhg−1 after 50 cycle through a stepped pre-cycling treatment.