Before you tackle trying to solve the 3×3, you might want to try the 2×2. You only need to know two algorithms to solve the 2×2. And these same two algorithms are some of the many you’ll use to solve the 3×3.
My steps below, imho, are the easiest way to solve the 2×2. You can learn more algorithms than the two I’m showing you to solve it faster, but using these methods you should be able to solve it in under 30 seconds.
The first thing you’ll need to do is solve one side. Most tutorials start with having you solve the yellow or white side first. I’ll show you some tips in the video below, but the best way to do this–and it’s easier than you think–is to just grab a cube and start twisting it until you get all of one color on one side.
Initially, don’t worry about having the color of the top row (below the color you’re solving) match. While this is necessary before moving to the next step, just have fun trying to get one side the same color.
Now that you’ve practiced getting one side the same color, you need to do so while also getting the side pieces below it the same color. See the image to the right (or above) to see what I mean.
Once you get the top side one color and the top row pieces to match in color, you are ready to learn the two algorithms to solve the 2×2. At this point, if you haven’t seen my cube notation on my Rubik’s Cube home page, check that out. It will help you understand the directions below but isn’t absolutely necessary.