Beginner step 3
How to Solve the Second Layer of a Rubik's Cube
The second layer uses the four edge pieces that do not have yellow. You move each one from the top layer into the middle row without disturbing the solved white layer.
Last reviewed: by the Cubzor Editorial Team.
Start by matching your cube
What does your cube look like?
Look only at top-layer edge pieces with no yellow sticker. Those are the pieces that belong in the second layer.
Right insert
Front color matches; other color belongs right.
Top edge needs to move right
- If you see
- The front sticker matches the front center, and the top sticker color belongs on the right side.
- Hold it
- Keep the matching front sticker facing you and the target slot on the right.
- Do this
- Use U R U' R' U' F' U F.
- Result
- The edge moves into the right middle slot while the white layer stays solved.
Left insert
Front color matches; other color belongs left.
Top edge needs to move left
- If you see
- The front sticker matches the front center, and the top sticker color belongs on the left side.
- Hold it
- Keep the matching front sticker facing you and the target slot on the left.
- Do this
- Use U' L' U L U F U' F'.
- Result
- The edge moves into the left middle slot without breaking the first layer.
Wrong middle edge
Kick wrong middle edges out before solving them.
An edge is stuck in the middle layer incorrectly
- If you see
- The top layer has only yellow edges, but a middle-layer edge is flipped or in the wrong slot.
- Hold it
- Put the wrong middle edge at the front-right or front-left slot.
- Do this
- Use the matching right or left insert once to kick that edge to the top. Then solve it from the top layer.
- Result
- The bad edge is out where you can insert it correctly.
Your goal
- Find top-layer edge pieces with no yellow sticker.
- Move each edge into the middle-layer slot between its two matching centers.
- Keep the first layer solved while using the right or left insert.
You are done when...
- The bottom two rows on every side face match their centers.
- No non-yellow edge remains in the top layer.
- The white face and white side rows are still solved.
- Only the yellow layer remains unsolved.
What the second layer adds
The white layer is already done. This step fills the middle row edges on the four side faces.
Side face goal
The bottom two rows match on each side.
Top edge target
Choose top edges with no yellow sticker.
- Skip any top-layer edge with yellow; it belongs in the last layer.
- Line the front color of the edge with the matching center.
- Decide whether the edge must move to the right slot or left slot.
Interactive demo
Right insert
Use this when the top edge needs to move into the right middle slot.
Loading interactive cube...
Left insert
Use this when the top edge needs to move into the left middle slot.
Loading interactive cube...
Algorithm / move box
New to the letters? Review notation basics before following the move box.
Right insert
U R U' R' U' F' U F
- Line up the top edge with the front center.
- Use this if the other color belongs on the right side.
Left insert
U' L' U L U F U' F'
- Line up the top edge with the front center.
- Use this if the other color belongs on the left side.
Common mistakes
Checking only the face color
How to spot it: The face looks right, but side colors do not match the centers.
Fix: Use centers as the map and solve the piece again in the correct slot.
Repeating an algorithm too long
How to spot it: A piece becomes correct, then gets moved out again.
Fix: Pause after each repeat and inspect before continuing.
Breaking solved pieces
How to spot it: A solved layer changes while you focus on the current case.
Fix: Reset the hold position and use only the turns listed for that case.
Fix a specific beginner step
Open the focused guide for the exact step that looks wrong on your cube.