The microstructure formation and grains refinement of two Mg-based alloys, i.e. AZ31 and AZ91D, were reported using an electromagnetic vibration (EMV) technique. These two alloys were solidified at various vibration frequencies and the microstructures were observed. The average size of grains was quantitatively measured as a function of vibration frequencies. Moreover, the grain size distribution was outlined versus number fraction. A novel model was proposed to account for the microstructure formation and grain refinement when considering the significant difference of the electrical resistivity properties of the solid and the liquid during EMV processing in the semisolid state. The remarkable difference originates uncoupled movement between the mobile solid and the sluggish liquid, which can activate melt flow. The microstructure evolution can be well explained when the fluid flow intensity versus vibration frequency is taken into account. Moreover, the influence of the static magnetic field on texture formation is also considered, which plays an important role at higher vibration frequencies.