How to Solve Rubik's Cube | 5 Easy Steps | Step by Step Instructions

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Introduction

Ever looked at a Rubik’s Cube and thought it was impossible to solve? You're not alone! But with the right guidance, you can learn how to solve it step by step. In this guide, we'll walk you through the easiest way to solve the iconic 3x3 Rubik’s Cube—perfect for beginners!

Looking to learn the basics? Check out our ''Beginner's Method to Solve a 3x3 Cube'' guide for all the essentials!

How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Solving the First Layer Cross

To start solving the Rubik’s Cube, you first need to create the white cross. This involves solving the four edges of the white face.

Find the WHITE edge pieces.
Place each edge next to its corresponding center.
Ensure that the edges align with the center pieces on both sides.

Common Mistakes While Solving the Cross

Not aligning the edges correctly with the center pieces.
Moving already solved pieces out of place.

Tip: Try not to move pieces you’ve already solved. Keep the solved cross intact!

Step 2: Solving the White Corners

After solving the white cross, it’s time to solve the WHITE CORNERS and complete the first layer of the cube. Follow these steps:

1. Keep the WHITE CROSS on the bottom.

2. Let's take the white, red, and green corner piece as an example. Locate the CORNER PIECE that contains the Green/White/Red colors.

3. The next step is to position it between the red and green center pieces in the top layer, placing the corner piece on the RIGHT side.

Note: Move it into position between the Green and Red center pieces by only turning the top layer.

4. Use this algorithm to move the corner piece into its correct spot, keeping white cross on bottom:

- R U R’ U’

5. Repeat this process for the other white corner pieces, ensuring that you don’t disturb the already solved white cross. You might have to apply this algorithm either once or 3 times or 5 times as per corner's orientation.

Tips:

Be mindful not to disrupt the white cross while positioning the corners.
If a corner piece is in the right spot but not oriented correctly, simply use the R U R' U' algorithm to rotate it into the correct orientation.

Once you’ve placed all the white corners, you have completed the first layer of the Rubik’s Cube!

Step 3: Solving the Second Layer

Next, we’ll solve the SECOND LAYER by positioning the edge pieces correctly. Here’s what to do:

1. Keep the WHITE FACE on the bottom.

2. Search for the non-white, non-yellow edge pieces (for e.g., green/red edge).

3. Check if the edge is in the top layer:

If yes, turn the top layer to align the edge with the center colors.
If no, move to step 4.

Note : To position the EDGE PIECES correctly, place the matched edge and center piece on your "RIGHT". Then, decide if the edge should go in the FRONT or BACK.

Case 1: Edge goes to the FRONT:

Apply the algorithm (left placement):
- R’ U’ R’ U’ R’ U R U R

Case 2: Edge goes to the BACK:

Apply the algorithm (right placement):
- R U R U R U’ R’ U’ R’

4. If EDGE is in second layer but wrong orientation / position:

Turn the cube to bring the edge to the front.
Apply the correct algorithm (Case 1).

Complete the second layer by continuing the process for each edge until all four are solved.

Once done, the first two layers of the cube (white and second layer) will be solved, and you will be ready to move to the final layer.

Step 4: Solving the Yellow Cross on the Top Face

1. Cases for Solving the Yellow Cross:

You’ll encounter one of three cases.
You will have 0, 2, or 4 yellow edge pieces facing up.

2. Ignore the corners for now and focus on the edges.

Case 1: Dot (0 yellow edge pieces on top)

Apply the algorithm once from any orientation.
You will either get an L-shape or Line.
- Algorithm: F R U R’ U’ F’

Case 2: L-shape (two yellow pieces forming an L)

Hold the GREEN face in the front, as shown below.

Apply the algorithm twice to get a yellow cross.
- Algorithm: F R U R’ U’ F’

Case 3: Line (two yellow pieces forming a line)

Hold the GREEN face in the front, & hold the bar horizontally as shown below.

Apply the algorithm once.
- Algorithm: F R U R’ U’ F’

Step 5: Orientation of the Last Layer

Now that the yellow cross is solved, you need to ORIENT THE CORNERS. Here’s the SUNE ALGORITHM to position the yellow pieces correctly:

- Algorithm: R U R’ U R U2 R’

You may encounter four cases for positioning the corners:

1. One corner matched: Hold the cube with this piece in the top left.

2. Two corners solved: Hold them vertically to your right.

3. No corners solved: Rotate the top layer to get one unsolved corner in the top left.

4. Two diagonally opposite pieces matched: Hold the unsolved corner to the top left and apply the algorithm.

Repeat the algorithm until the yellow side is completed.

Step 6: Permutation of the Last Layer (PLL)

Finally, permute the remaining pieces to their correct positions using these algorithms:

T-Perm Algorithm: R U R’ U’ R’ F R2 U’ R’ U’ R U R’ F’
U-Perm Algorithm: R U’ R U R U R U’ R’ U’ R2

T-perm

Once the corners are oriented, we move to the last layer permutation. Use the T-Perm algorithm for these cases:

Case 1: If two adjacent corners are solved:

Match the solved corners with their respective centers and keep the solved face to your left.
Apply the T-Perm algorithm until all corners are correctly positioned.

Case 2: If no adjacent corners are solved:

Find one solved corner and position it at the top left.
Apply the T-Perm algorithm.
Look for two adjacent solved corners, position them to your left, and repeat the T-Perm algorithm until all corners are solved.

After that, use the U-Perm algorithm to correctly orient the edges with their centers.

U-Perm

After solving the corners, you’ll need to orient the edges correctly. To do this, use the U-Perm algorithm:

Position a solved edge at the BACK, aligning it with its center.
Rotate the remaining edge pieces clockwise or counterclockwise.
Apply the U-Perm algorithm until all edges are correctly aligned. You may need to repeat it twice.

Wrapping It Up!

Mastering the beginner's method creates a strong foundation for you to understand the inner workings of the Rubik’s Cube. Once you’ve mastered these steps, you can start learning more advanced techniques to improve your speed.

Want to watch expert solving techniques?

Check out our YouTube channel for a step-by-step tutorial!

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