The low electrical conductivity and poor cycling stability at high current density of hausmannite (Mn3O4) have greatly limited its practical application in commercial lithium ion batteries (LIBs). In order to tackle these above issues, porous carbon encapsulated Mn3O4 has been designed and prepared. Carbon-encapsulated Mn3O4 (Mn3O4@C) prepared via a MOF-derived strategy shows attractive cycling stability and rate performance in both half-cells and full cells. It could stably deliver a capacity of 730.20 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 250 mA g−1. An average capacity of 421 mAh g−1 is obtained at a current density of 4000 mA g−1. After a 400-cycle test at 2000 mA g−1, the Mn3O4@C anode can maintain 70.90% of its initial capacity. Full cells using Mn3O4@C as anode and NCM-523 as cathode could stably cycle for 100 times at 200 mA g−1, with a 73.30% capacity retention. Conversion mechanism of the Mn3O4@C anode has been investigated by ex-situ XPS. Upon the first discharge, Mn3O4 is initially reduced into MnO and further reduced into metallic Mn0. The metallic Mn0 is then converted into MnO during the following charge. Subsequent lithiation/de-lithiation are governed by reversible conversion between MnO and metallic Mn0. Improved electrochemical performance of the Mn3O4@C anode is attributed to introduction of porous carbon, which could not only limit loss of active species but also enhance overall electrical conductivity. The Mn3O4@C composite can be a promising anode material for LIBs.