The Li-rich layered oxides show a higher discharge capacity over 250 mAh/g and have been developed into a promising positive material for lithium ion batteries. A rare earth metal oxyfluoride YOF-coated Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 composites have been synthesized by a simple wet chemical method. Crystal structure, micro-morphology and element valence of the pristine and YOF-coated Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 materials are characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS. The results indicate that all materials exhibit a typical layered structure, and are made up of small and homogenous particles ranging from 100 nm to 200 nm. In addition, YOF layer with a thickness of approximately 3–8 nm is precisely coated on the surface of the Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2. Constant current charge/discharge tests at various current densities show that the electrochemical performance of 2 wt% YOF-coated Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 has been improved significantly. 2 wt% YOF-coated Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 delivers the highest discharge capacity of 250.4 mAh/g at 20 mA/g among all the samples, and capacity retention of 87% after 100 charge/discharge cycles at 200 mA/g while that of the pristine one is only 81.6%. The superior electrochemical performance of 2wt% YOF-coated sample is ascribed to YOF coating layer, which could not only reduce side reactions between the electrode and liquid electrolyte, but also promote lithium ion migration.