How to Solve a 2x2 Rubik's Cube

Co-authored by Timothy Huynh and Madeleine Flamiano

Last Updated: June 27, 2024 Fact Checked

If you’re new to Rubik’s puzzles, the 2x2 Rubik’s Cube is a great starting point. All you need are some simple algorithms to master the two-layered "Pocket Cube" or "Mini Cube." Here, we’ll explain what the algorithm notations mean, then walk you through how to use those algorithms to solve the beginner-friendly 2x2 Rubik's Cube. Read on to try out this fun puzzle, learn the basics of Rubik's cubes, and impress your friends.

Section 1 of 4:

Rubik's Cube Notation

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1
There are 6 faces on a 2x2 Rubik’s Cube. Each face is represented by a letter. The letters we’ll be using are (R), (L), (U), (D), (F), and (B).
- R = The right face
- L = The left face
- U = The top face
- D = The bottom face
- F = The face at the front
- B = The face at the back
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A letter represents turning one face 90°. Rotate a face with the corresponding letter 90° clockwise. For example, (R) means to rotate the right face 90° clockwise once.
- R = Right
- L = Left
- U = Up
- D = Down
- F = Front
- B = Back
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A letter with an apostrophe is a 90° turn counterclockwise. Rotate a face with the corresponding letter 90° counterclockwise. For example, (D') means to rotate the bottom face 90° counterclockwise.
- R'
- L'
- U'
- D'
- F'
- B'
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A letter with '2' next to it is a 180° rotation, which is two 90° rotations. Rotate a face with the corresponding letter 180°. For example, (L2) means to make two 90° rotations with the left face, which equals a 180° rotation.
- R2
- L2
- U2
- D2
- F2
- B2

Section 2 of 4:

Solving the White Layer

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Start by finding a face that already has at least 1 white piece. Then, try 1 of these 3 algorithms until you create a bottom face with 3 white pieces.^{[1]
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If a white piece isn’t already on one of the faces on the top layer of the cube, try (R U' R') or (R U R'). One of these algorithms will move a white piece to the upper corner of one of the faces.^{[2]
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Perform the (R U R’), (U R U’ R), and (U R2 U’R2) algorithms. These 3 algorithms rotate all the white pieces. Repeat the sequence until the bottom face of the 2x2 Rubik’s cube has 4 white pieces.^{[3]
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- (R U R')
  Moves 1 white piece from the top row of the right face down to the bottom face.
- (U R U' R)
  Moves 1 white piece from the top row of the face across from you down to the bottom face.
- (U R2 U'R2)
  Moves 1 white piece from the bottom row of the topmost face all the way down to the bottom face.

Section 3 of 4:

Solving the Yellow Layer

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Orient your cube so the white face you solved is at the bottom. Check for all the yellow corner pieces remaining.^{[4]
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Use (R U2)(R’ U’R’ U’R’) if you see 1 yellow piece in the right hand corner. If you see 1 yellow piece in the lower left hand corner, use (R U R’U)(R U2 R’).
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If you see 0 yellow pieces or more than 1 yellow piece on the top face: Select 1 of 5 algorithms. Choose only one algorithm—select the right one based on the number of yellow corner pieces you see on the top face. Also check for where the other yellow pieces are on the cube. Use that specific algorithm to solve the yellow layer.^{[5]
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- (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’) + (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’)
  Use if you see: 0 yellow corner pieces on the top face. 2 yellow pieces on the top row of the face across from you. 2 yellow pieces on the top row of the face right in front of you.
- (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’) + (U’) + (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’)
  Use if you see: 0 yellow corner pieces on the top face. 1 yellow piece on the top row of the face across from you. 1 yellow piece on the top row of the face in front of you. 2 yellow pieces on the top row of the left face.
- (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’) + (U’) + (R U R’U) (R U2 R’)
  Use if you see: 2 yellow pieces on the top face—1 on the upper left hand corner and 1 on the lower left hand corner. 2 yellow pieces on the top row of the right face.
- (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’) + (U) + (R U R’U) (R U2 R’)
  Use if you see: 2 yellow pieces on the top face—1 on the lower left hand corner and 1 on the lower right hand corner. 1 yellow piece on the top row of the left side. 1 yellow piece on the top row of the right side.
- (R U2) (R’ U’R U’R’) + (U2) + (R U R’U) (R U2 R’)
  Use if you see: 2 yellow pieces on the top face—1 on the upper left hand corner and 1 on the lower right hand corner. 1 yellow piece on the top row of the face in front of you. 1 yellow piece on the top row of the right face.

Section 4 of 4:

Solving the Cube

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Use (R’U)(L’U2)(RU’)(R’U2)(LR) on corner pieces with the same color. For example, start with 2 blue corner pieces, then move on to 2 orange corner pieces. Then, turn the cube upside down and perform (R’U)(L’U2)(RU’)(R’U2)(LR) until the cube is solved.^{[6]
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- This is one alternative to use in order to solve the cube. After you solve the yellow side, try this method if you see a lot of corner pieces next to pieces of the same color.
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Use (R’U)(L’U2)(RU’)(R’U2)(LR) for corner pieces next to different colors. This will match corner pieces of the same color together. For example, perform the algorithm if an orange corner piece is right next to a red corner piece. Then, use the (R’U)(L’U2)(RU’)(R’U2)(LR) algorithm again.^{[7]
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- Finally, flip the cube upside down and perform (R’U)(L’U2)(RU’)(R’U2)(LR) until all the cube’s sides are solved.
- This is the other alternative for completely solving the cube. If you've already solved the yellow face and the rest of the cube's corner pieces are next to pieces that are different colors, try this method.