Objective To explore the effects of Auricularia auricula polysaccharides on its rehydration characteristics.Methods Auricularia auricula polysaccharides are extracted by the hot water-ultrasonic-assisted extraction method. The polysaccharide-removed Auricularia auricula residue is dried to a constant weight and rehydrated. Then, the water content, swelling, rehydration ratio, texture characteristics, and water distribution state of the rehydrated Auricularia auricula are determined to explore the effects of Auricularia auricula polysaccharide content on its rehydration characteristics.Results The crushing degree of Auricularia auricula is proportional to the polysaccharide removal rate. Compared with Auricularia auricula and polysaccharide-removed Auricularia auricula of 20~16 mesh, the polysaccharide-removed Auricularia auricula residue of 80~40 mesh is higher in polysaccharide removal rate, lower in internal polysaccharide content, with relatively poor water content, swelling, and rehydration ratio. Additionally, with seriously damaged cells, polysaccharide-removed Auricularia auricula is poor in water-binding ability.Conclusion Auricularia auricula polysaccharides can improve its rehydration characteristics.