Solve the 6 centers

Goal

Gather the 4 matching center pieces on each of the 6 faces, in your cube's color order.

How the 4x4 differs from the 3x3

The 4x4 has no fixed centers. Each face has 4 center pieces, and they move all over the cube when you turn the inner layers. So you build the centers yourself and remember which color goes where.

The elevator idea

To bring a center piece up without breaking a solved center, think of the right column of centers as an elevator:

1. Rw' lowers the elevator to the front.
2. Turn the front (F, F' or F2) to load the piece you need.
3. Rw raises the elevator. The center below is not touched.

Order

1. The first center, on top. Nothing to keep yet, so it is the easiest.
2. The opposite center. Flip the cube so the first center is on the bottom, then use the elevator.
3. The third center. Hold the first two centers on the left and right.
4. The center opposite the third one. Flip the cube, still with the first two on the left and right.
5. The last two centers. Use only Rw2 and U, D turns so the four side centers stay put.

Check the color order

The last two centers can end up swapped. With standard colors: white opposite yellow, green opposite blue, red opposite orange. With white on top and green in front, red must be on the right.

Common mistakes

• Using Rw without lowering the elevator first, which breaks the center below.
• Finishing the last two centers in swapped places. Check the color order before moving on.
• Joining two pieces diagonally instead of side by side. Turn the front once more so they sit side by side.

Next lesson

Go to Pair the 12 edges. From then on, every step must keep the 6 centers.