How to Solve a 2×2 Rubik’s Cube: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

The 2×2 Rubik’s Cube, often called the Pocket Cube, is a fascinating and simpler version of the classic 3×3 Rubik’s Cube. While it may seem easier due to its fewer pieces, solving it still presents a satisfying challenge. Unlike its larger counterpart, the 2×2 cube only consists of corner pieces – there are no centers or edges. Interestingly, the methods used to solve a 2×2 are closely related to solving the corners of a 3×3 Rubik’s Cube. If you’re new to cubing and looking for a fun and accessible puzzle, the 2×2 is a perfect starting point.

This guide breaks down the solution into three easy-to-follow steps, designed for beginners to learn how to solve the 2×2 Rubik’s Cube quickly and efficiently.

Step 1: Complete the White Layer

Our first goal is to solve one face of the cube, which we’ll conventionally choose as the white face. This involves correctly positioning all four white corner pieces. We will do this in three sub-steps, focusing on building a ‘white bar’ first and then completing the layer.

Step 1a: Form the White Bar (First Two Corners)

1. Locate the WHITE/RED/GREEN corner: Find this specific corner piece. Hold the cube so this piece is at the front top left position, with the white face on top. You should see the red face towards you and the green face to your left.

2. Find the WHITE/RED/BLUE corner: Now, locate the next white corner you need – the WHITE/RED/BLUE piece. Your task is to move this piece to the bottom front right position, while keeping the WHITE/RED/GREEN corner in its place.

3. Follow the Algorithm: Depending on the orientation of the WHITE/RED/BLUE corner, you’ll need to perform a short sequence of moves. Choose the image below that matches your cube’s situation and follow the arrows to bring the WHITE/RED/BLUE corner into the correct position.

Result: After correctly executing the steps, you will have a ‘white bar’ formed by two white corners on the top layer.

Step 1b: Complete the 3rd White Corner

1. Position the White Bar: Keeping the white bar on the top, rotate the cube so that the WHITE/RED/BLUE corner is now in the front top left position. The blue side of this corner should be facing you, and the red side will be on your left.

2. Find the WHITE/BLUE/ORANGE corner: Next, locate the WHITE/BLUE/ORANGE corner piece. Move this piece to the bottom front right position, being careful to keep the white bar you’ve already created intact.

3. Apply the Algorithm: Again, depending on how the WHITE/BLUE/ORANGE corner is oriented, select the corresponding image from the options below and follow the arrow-based algorithm to correctly place the third white corner.

Result: You will now have three white corners correctly positioned on the top layer, further building your white face.

Step 1c: Complete the 4th White Corner

1. Position the Partially Solved Layer: With the white face still on top, turn the cube so that the WHITE/BLUE/ORANGE corner is now in the front top left position.

2. Locate the WHITE/GREEN/ORANGE corner: Find the final white corner, the WHITE/GREEN/ORANGE piece. Move this piece to the bottom front right position, ensuring you maintain the positions of the three white pieces you’ve already solved.

3. Use the Algorithm: Choose the image that corresponds to your cube’s situation and follow the provided steps to place the WHITE/GREEN/ORANGE corner correctly, completing the white layer.

Possible Problem: If the corner you need is already in the top layer but in the wrong spot or orientation, you need to move it down to the bottom layer first.

Solution: Turn the cube so that the problematic corner is at the front right top position. Then, perform the following moves to bring it to the bottom layer.

After performing these moves, go back to the steps above and choose the correct algorithm to place the corner properly.

Result: Congratulations! You’ve completed the first layer, the white face of your 2×2 Rubik’s Cube is now solved.

Step 2: Place Last Layer Corners in the Correct Position

Now we move on to the last layer (opposite the white layer, which is usually yellow). In this step, we’ll focus on getting the last layer corners into their correct positions relative to each other, although they might not be oriented correctly yet.

1. Orient the Cube: Turn your cube upside down so that the white layer is now at the bottom.

2. Match One Corner: Rotate the top layer only until just one corner piece matches the colors of the bottom layer corners directly beneath it (ignore white and yellow colors for this matching). For example, if you have a YELLOW/ORANGE/GREEN corner, try to position it above the WHITE/ORANGE/GREEN corner. The orientation doesn’t matter at this stage.

3. Position the Correct Corner: Once you’ve matched one corner, rotate the entire cube so that this correctly positioned corner is at the front top right position. Remember, it might not be twisted correctly, but its position is now right.

Repeat the algorithm shown in the image above until all the top layer corners are in their correct positions. This means that if you were to look at each top corner and the corner directly below it, the colors (excluding white and yellow) would match. Don’t worry if the yellow face isn’t solved yet; we’ll fix the orientation in the next step.

Possible Problem 1: You might find that you already have two corners in the correct position.

Solution: Keep rotating the top layer until you have only one corner correctly positioned, then proceed with step 3 as described above, starting with that single correct corner in the front top right.

Step 3: Orientate Last Layer Corners

This final step is about orienting the last layer corners so that the yellow face is on top and the cube is solved. It might seem like you’re messing up the cube during this step, but don’t worry, keep going!

Note: It’s crucial to keep the same side facing you throughout this sequence until a corner is correctly oriented.

1. Apply the Algorithm: Perform the algorithm shown in the image repeatedly until the yellow side of the corner piece in the front top right position is facing upwards. You might need to repeat the sequence 2-3 times for it to orient correctly.

2. Rotate Top Layer and Repeat: Crucially, keep the bottom layer (white) facing you. Only rotate the top layer to bring the next un-oriented corner into the top right position. Then, repeat the same algorithm until the yellow side of this new corner is also facing upwards.

3. Continue Until Solved: Keep repeating this process – orienting a corner in the top right, then rotating only the top layer to bring the next corner – until all yellow faces are on top.

YOU HAVE DONE IT!!! Your 2×2 Rubik’s Cube should now be completely solved.

Alternative Names

This puzzle is also known by various names, including Pocket Cube, 2×2 Rubix cube, four squares cube, eight squares cube, and 2X2.

If you’re looking to advance your solving skills, you might be interested in more advanced methods: How to solve a 2×2 using Ortega Method | INTERMEDIATE