As the need for energy storage increases, battery technology continues to be developed and improved – aiming for rechargeable batteries that store more energy, charge faster, last longer, and are more sustainable. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy has emerged as a versatile technique for studying both the local structure and ion mobility of battery materials. Here, we explore the use of solid-state NMR to study coatings and interfaces within batteries. We focus on the study of the electrode–electrolyte interphases that form as a product of battery cycling, and artificial coatings that are used in batteries to improve their performance and longevity – both of which can have a crucial impact on battery performance. We also explore the experimental considerations that need to be taken into account, and how advances in NMR methodology have allowed thin coatings and interfaces to be studied. © 2022 The Author(s)