The long-standing issue of Li-dendrite formation and growth during repeated plating or stripping processes prevents the practical application of Li-metal anodes for high-specific-energy batteries. Here we develop an approach to control dendrite growth by coating the separator with functionalized nanocarbon (FNC) with immobilized Li ions. During cycling, the Li dendrites grow toward each other simultaneously from both the FNC layer on the separator and the Li-metal anode; when the dendrites meet, the growth changes direction: rather than penetrating the separator, a dense Li layer is formed between the separator and the Li anode. This controlled growth alleviates the solid electrolyte interphase formation, reduces the decomposition of the electrolyte, and improves the cyclability of the Li-metal cell. In a Li/LiFePO4 coin cell with three different electrolytes, we show that this approach enables a long stable cycle life (>800 cycles with 80% retention of the initial capacity) and improved efficiency (>97%). Our method offers promise for application in practical Li-metal batteries, and it may also be useful for tackling dendrite issues for other metals.