The invention discloses a method for preparing S-1-aminoindane through separation. D-mandelic acid is taken as a chirality resolving agent, a mixed solution of alcohol and water is taken as a solvent, under the condition of heating reflux, 1-aminoindane is dropwise added and racemized, the 1-aminoindane is reacted with the D-mandelic acid to form diastereomeric salt, and the D-mandelate of the S-1-aminoindane is obtained through crystallization and separation according to different solubility of the diastereomeric salt; the S-1-aminoindane is obtained by conducting purification and alkalization on the D-mandelate; all the solutions containing the D-mandelate are mixed, the alcohol is removed through steaming, acidification is conducted on the solution, and the D-mandelate can be recycled. The method for preparing the S-1-aminoindane through the separation has the advantages of being mild in condition, easy to operate, high in product yield, high in optical purity, capable of recycling and reusing the resolving agent and the like, and the method is extremely suitable for industrial production of the S-1-aminoindane.