How to Solve a Rubik's Cube: Beginner 3x3 Guide

Start with the white face and solve one layer at a time. This method is designed for a standard 3x3 cube and uses only a few short algorithms.

If letters such as R, U, and F' are unfamiliar, read the Rubik's Cube notation guide first.

Step 1: Make the white cross

Find the four white edge pieces. Build a white cross around the white center, but do not stop at a white plus sign: the side color of every edge must also match the center beside it.

A reliable approach is to move one white edge to the top layer, turn the top until its side color matches the correct center, then turn that face twice to bring the white sticker down.

Checkpoint: the white face has a cross and the four side colors line up with their centers.

Step 2: Solve the white corners

Keep white on the bottom. Find a corner with a white sticker in the top layer and place it above the slot with the same two side colors.

Hold the target slot at the front-right and repeat:

R U R' U'

The corner will eventually enter the slot with the correct orientation. If a white corner is trapped in the bottom layer incorrectly, perform the same sequence once to move it out, then solve it normally.

Checkpoint: the entire white face and the first row of every side are solved.

Step 3: Solve the middle-layer edges

Look in the top layer for an edge without yellow. Match its front color to the front center. The other sticker tells you whether the edge belongs on the right or left.

Insert an edge to the right

U R U' R' U' F' U F

Insert an edge to the left

U' L' U L U F U' F'

If every top edge contains yellow but the middle layer is unfinished, use either algorithm to eject an incorrect middle edge, then insert it correctly.

Checkpoint: the bottom two layers are solved all the way around.

Step 4: Make a yellow cross

Keep yellow on top and use:

F R U R' U' F'

You may see a dot, an L shape, or a line. For the L, hold its two yellow edge stickers at the back and left. For the line, hold it horizontally. Repeat until a yellow cross appears.

At this point the side colors do not need to match yet.

Step 5: Turn the whole top face yellow

Place an unsolved yellow corner at the front-right of the top layer. Repeat:

R U R' U'

Stop when that corner's yellow sticker faces up. Turn only the top layer (U) to bring another unsolved corner to the front-right, then repeat.

The cube will look scrambled during this step. Keep the same front and right faces toward you and finish all four corners.

Checkpoint: the top face is completely yellow.

Step 6: Put the yellow corners in the correct positions

A corner is positioned correctly when its three colors belong between the three surrounding centers, even if the side stickers are not yet aligned.

If one corner is correct, hold it at the front-right and perform:

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

Repeat if necessary. If no corner is correct, perform the algorithm once from any angle, then look again.

Step 7: Finish the yellow edges

Turn the top layer until one complete side is solved. Hold that solved side at the back.

Use:

F2 U L R' F2 L' R U F2

If the cube is not solved, keep a solved side at the back and repeat the algorithm. Finish with a U, U', or U2 turn if the top layer only needs alignment.

Beginner troubleshooting

• One piece seems impossible: a single flipped edge or twisted corner cannot occur through legal turns. The cube may have been reassembled incorrectly.
• The first layer is white but side colors do not match: rebuild the cross or corners using the side centers as guides.
• An algorithm makes things worse: check your grip, read every prime mark, and complete the full sequence without rotating the cube.
• You lose your place: execute slowly and say each move aloud.

What to learn next

Practice until you can solve without reading each step. Then learn intuitive F2L, followed by 2-look OLL and 2-look PLL. Use the CubeRush timer to measure progress rather than rushing before the method feels natural.