<p>In this research, the effect of the utilization of licorice extract as an environmentally friendly additive in the electrodeposition process of nickel coatings on copper substrates was studied. Various concentrations of licorice extract, including 0 wt%, 0.033 wt%,0.066 wt%, and 0.132 wt% were added to a modified Watts bath, and the microstructure, hardness, and wear behavior of the Ni-electrodeposited coating were investigated. The results showed that the addition of licorice extract improved the surface morphology and refined the grain structure of the coating. In addition, a significant improvement in hardness occurred from 136 HV_0.3 to 283 HV_0.3 with the optimal amount of the additive, which was determined to be 0.066 wt%, owing to better nucleation, structure refinement, and lack of cracks. The wear tests showed enhanced wear resistance and reduced coefficient of friction up to 0.066 wt%. Beyond this, 0.132 wt% of the additive induced internal stress cracks, limiting the balance between hardness and structural integrity. In general, licorice extract can be considered an effective green additive for industrial applications in the Ni electrodeposition process.</p>