Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a crucial organelle involved in protein synthesis, folding, lipid metabolism, Ca2+ storage and the transport of nascent peptide chains. Disturbing ER homeostasis under stress can lead to endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), which maintains ER homeostasis and restores cell function by activating the unfolded protein response. Autophagy is generally considered a cellular survival mechanism, which can be initiated under stress conditions like starvation to remove damaged organelles, protein aggregates or provide energy for the cells. Studies have shown that ERS regulates autophagy, which induces cell survival or intervenes in the development of diseases under different circumstances. Therefore, this article reviews recent progress on the role and molecular mechanisms of ERS in autophagy regulation.