EAF dust was first used as a magnetic carrier to remove micro-fine particles. EAF dust was found to mainly consist of γ-Fe2O3 and be partly in nanoscale. 97.72% of SS was removed by EAF dust magnetic flocculation within 30 s. External magnetic fields can accelerate settling and compress settling sludge. EAF dust magnetic flocculation was a novel low-cost method for SS removal.