The invention discloses a preparation method for a ZnO nanocrystalline thin-film transistor type UV detector. The UV detector successively comprises a low-resistance Si layer, a SiO2 insulating layer, a ZnO nanocrystalline layer and an Au electrode from bottom to top. The preparation method comprises the steps of firstly, preparing a ZnO nanocrystalline colloid dispersed phase; secondly, conducting the spin coating process of the colloid dispersed phase on the SiO2 surface of Si/SiO2, and then annealing; finally, plating the Au electrode to complete the preparation of the UV detector. Compared with a traditional UV detector, the above UV detector prepared through the above method is low in dark current, high in response sensitivity, quick in response time, simple in structure and low in manufacturing cost. Therefore, the method has an important application value in the fields of military, civilian and special aspects.