The invention belongs to the technical field of batteries, and particularly relates to an electrolyte additive, an electrolyte and a secondary battery. The structural general formula of the electrolyte additive is shown in a following formula I, and x and Y in the formula I are respectively and independently selected from one of isothiocyano group, cyclohexyl group, alkoxy group, phenyl group and halogen. According to the electrolyte additive provided by the invention, side reactions on the surface of a positive electrode can be reduced, flame-retardant phosphorus free radicals are generated, and the cycling stability and the safety performance of a pole piece are improved; and an SEI film can be polymerized on the surfaces of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, so that the elasticity of the SEI film is improved, the SEI film can better adapt to the huge volume expansion and shrinkage stress of electrode materials, such as a silicon substrate, etc., in a lithium intercalation and deintercalation process, and the cycling stability and safety of the battery are improved.