How to Solve a Rubik's Cube

If you've never solved a Rubik's Cube before, it might seem extremely difficult. Today, I'll teach you a method I've used to help many people who thought they'd never be able to solve the cube. If anything becomes unclear and you need more examples, you can check the example solve linked in the description. Let's get started with solving your first cube!

First, find the white centerpiece and hold it on top. Next, solve the white cross, ensuring the side colors align. Here’s how: locate a white piece on the bottom layer (not a corner piece with three colors, but an edge piece with two colors). With the white on top, move the edge piece along the bottom until it’s under the correct colored center (e.g., a white and green piece under the green center). Turn the green face 180 degrees to move it to the top. Repeat this process for the entire white cross, making sure the side colors match the centers.

If you encounter a white and orange piece that needs to be switched, move it to the side, turn the top counterclockwise, move the piece up, and then restore the previous position. If a piece is in the middle layer, move it to the bottom, then solve as usual.

Once the white cross is complete and the side colors match the centers, turn the cube upside down. Now, I’ll teach you a crucial sequence of four moves that will help with everything else. Hold the cube as I do: left thumb on the front, right thumb on the bottom, fingers on top. The moves are: turn the right side up, turn the top with your right hand, turn the right side down, and turn the top with your left hand. Practice this sequence until you can do it quickly. Learn to do the same with your left hand.

Next, solve the white corners. Look for a corner piece with white on it (e.g., white, green, and orange). Position it above where it should go (between the white, green, and orange centers). Insert it using the right-hand four-move sequence. If it’s not solved, repeat until it is. For a corner stuck on the bottom, use the same moves to take it out and then solve as usual.

After solving all white corners, check that the side colors are correct. Move to the second layer. Find a top edge piece without yellow (e.g., blue and orange). Match the front color with its center (orange and blue). Since it needs to go to the right, first move it left, then use the right-hand four moves to take out the corner. Reinsert it using the left-hand moves. Repeat for other edges.

Once the first two layers are done, solve the top cross (yellow cross). If no edges are done, make a dot by turning the front clockwise, doing the right-hand moves, and undoing the front move. For an L shape, place it on the top left and repeat. For a horizontal line, do the sequence again.

Align the cross with the center colors. If two sides line up, hold them at the back and right, then do this algorithm: right side up, move the top pair left, right side down, move the top left until the far left, right side up, and restore the top.

For corner pieces, place them in the correct spots. If one corner is correct, hold it front right; if none, do this algorithm: turn the top with your right hand, right side up, same with the left hand, turn the top with your right hand down, left side down. Check corners and repeat if needed.

Once all corners are correctly placed but not oriented, turn the cube upside down. Solve each corner using the four moves with your right hand until solved. Turn the bottom layer to bring the next corner over and repeat until all corners are solved.