Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion behaviors of X70 steel under direct current (DC) interference at 0-1,200 A/m² in simulated soil solution. Design/methodology/approach The Tafel polarization curves of X70 steel under DC interference were tested using electrochemical method, the corrosion rate was calculated using weight-loss method and the change in steel surface was analyzed by optical microscopy. Findings The results showed that E-I polarization curves under 200-1,200 A/m² interference were linear; with an increase in the DC density, the corrosion potential of X70 steel shifted positively, solution pH after the weight-loss tests increased and corrosion rate increased linearly. A mathematical relationship between polarization resistance Rp and current density was established. Corrosion morphology indicated that pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion occurred on the X70 steel under DC interference in simulated soil solution. Originality/value All tests were conducted at a relative higher DC density (200-1,200 A/m²). The linear fitting method is proposed to fit data of Tafel polarization curves under DC interference. This study provides guidelines for safe operation of X70 steel pipelines.