This article is aimed at identifying issues associated with the use of solid cathodes in the electrolysis of cryolitealumina melts in order to determine conditions for their practical application. The contemporary technology of using solid anodes and cathodes is reviewed from its inception to the present time. The problems of stable electrolysis are discussed, such as effects of the electrode surface on the technological process. It is shown that all attempts undertaken over the recent 100 years to use solid electrodes, both reactive and inert, have been challenged with the emergence of electrolysis instability, formation of precipitates of varying intensity on the electrodes and impossibility of maintaining a prolonged process at current densities of above 0.4-0.5 A/cm2. Information is provided on the attempts to use purified electrolyte components with different ratios, metal-like and ceramic electrodes with a high purity and a smooth surface in order to approach real industrial conditions...