Build two opposite centers
Make one 2×2 center, then build its opposite color on the other side. A 4×4 has no fixed centers, so keep the color scheme consistent.
Visual guide · Intermediate
How to Solve a 4×4 Cube
Learn the 4×4 reduction method: build centers, pair edges, solve it like a 3×3, and handle OLL and PLL parity.
Work in order
The route to a solved puzzle
Rw turns the two right layers, Uw the two upper layers, r an inner slice, and x the whole cube.
Complete all centers
Hold the two solved centers on the left and right. Build the remaining four centers without breaking the first pair.
Pair the edges
Join two edge pieces with matching colors, store the completed pair in a safe layer, and continue until all 12 edges are paired.
Solve it as a 3×3
Treat each 2×2 center as one center and every edge pair as one edge. Use your normal 3×3 method.
Fix OLL parity
If one last-layer edge pair appears flipped, hold it at the front of the upper layer and perform the parity algorithm.
Algorithm
Rw U2 x Rw U2 Rw U2 Rw′ U2 Lw U2 Rw′ U2 Rw U2 Rw′ U2 Rw′Fix PLL parity
If only two edge pairs remain swapped, hold them opposite each other and perform the sequence.
Algorithm
r2 U2 r2 Uw2 r2 Uw2