Guide to Solving a 2x2 Rubik's Cube

Learn how to solve a 2x2 Rubik's Cube with this simple beginner's guide that shows you step by step how to solve a 2x2 mini cube.

2x2 Cube Guide

Learn How to Solve a 2x2 Rubik's Cube

Are you ready to master a 2x2 Rubik's Cube? With this simple and step-by-step guide, you will quickly learn how to solve the cube. We will show you an easy method, perfect for beginners!
Solving a 2x2 Rubik's Cube (or "Pocket Cube") is a bit easier than a regular 3x3 Rubik's Cube because there are fewer pieces, but the method still resembles the larger cube.

Get Started!

To solve the cube, you need to learn some algorithms that will guide you through the process. Algorithms are like recipes, where each letter represents a specific move you need to perform on the cube. Once you learn these moves, it will feel like memorizing a small dance!


Below is a brief overview of the English terms we use to describe the moves.

Move Notations

R

R = Right side clockwise

R'

R' = Right side counterclockwise

L

L = Left side clockwise

L'

L' = Left side counterclockwise

U

U = Top side clockwise

U'

U' = Top side counterclockwise

F

F = Front side clockwise

F'

F' = Front side counterclockwise

D

D = Bottom side clockwise

D'

D' = Bottom side counterclockwise

B

B = Back side clockwise

B'

B' = Back side counterclockwise

If a move needs to be performed twice, add a "2" after the letter, e.g., F2.

Step 1: Solving the First Layer

We start by solving the white side.

Cube with top layer solved

Find the white/red/blue corner on your cube. Once you have it in the correct position (see the image to the right), you can continue.

Cube with white/red/blue corner in correct position

Next, find the next corner: white/orange/blue. First, you need to place it under the position where it should be, as shown in the image.

Cube with top layer solved

Next, you need to do R' D' R (the elevator) to get the corner up to the top layer.

Cube showing R' algorithm, turn right side down Cube showing D' algorithm, turn bottom layer to the left Cube showing R algorithm, turn right side up

If it doesn't fit directly, use the algorithm R' D' R D to rotate it correctly (repeat until the white color faces up).

Cube showing R' algorithm, turn right side down Cube showing D' algorithm, turn bottom layer to the left Cube showing R algorithm, turn right side up Cube showing D algorithm, turn bottom layer to the right

Repeat this process for the remaining two corners: white/orange/green and white/green/red.

If white does not face up when the corner is in place, use R' D' R D again.

When all four white corners are in place, you have now solved the first layer.

Step 2: Placing the Corners in the Last Layer

Turn your cube so the white side is down. Now we need to place the remaining corners in their correct positions.

1: Find a corner where all three colors match the adjacent sides.

See the images below for a correct and incorrect corner.

Cube where the corner is correct, but the colors match

It may look like the image

Cube where the corner is incorrect, and the colors do not match

Example of an incorrect corner

2: Note that only one corner needs to match. Hold the cube so that the matching corner is front/top/right.

Use this algorithm to move the other three corners around: 

U R U' L' U R' U' L

(Repeat if the corners are not moved to the correct position)

If you do not get the desired result after a few attempts with an algorithm, double-check if you are holding the cube correctly.

Cube showing U algorithm, turn top layer to the left Cube showing R algorithm, turn right side up Cube showing U' algorithm, turn top layer to the right Cube showing L' algorithm, turn left side up
Cube showing U algorithm, turn top layer to the left Cube showing R' algorithm, turn right side down Cube showing U' algorithm, turn top layer to the right Cube showing L algorithm, turn left side down

Step 3: Rotate the Corners to Get Yellow on Top

When the corners are correctly placed, we need to make sure the yellow side faces up.

Hold your cube so the corner you want to rotate is front/top/right. See the image for an example.

Cube showing a corner that is placed incorrectly

Use the following algorithm: R' D' R D Repeat until yellow is on top.2: Turn the top layer (U) so the next corner is in the same position, and repeat the algorithm until all four corners have yellow on top. If all corners are yellow on top, and all sides match each other, you have now solved your 2x2 cube!

Cube showing R' algorithm, turn right side down Cube showing D' algorithm, turn bottom layer to the left Cube showing R algorithm, turn right side up Cube showing D algorithm, turn bottom layer to the right

Confetti Fantastic! Confetti

You have now solved your 2x2 Rubik's cube! Practice a few times, and soon you will be able to impress your friends with how quickly you can solve it.

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