NYT Mini Hints and Solutions for 2. October, 2026
The Mini #24564 for Friday, October 2, 2026 is a 5x5 grid with 10 clues (5 Across, 5 Down), starting with 1-Across: “Finger covering after eating Cheetos”. Every answer stays hidden until you reveal it.
Across
5 Across: "That's amazing!" (5 letters)
7 Across: First country to use paper money, way back in the 7th century (5 letters)
8 Across: Extremely, extra, very (5 letters)
9 Across: Where "You Are," on a mall map (4 letters)
Down
1 Down: Google ___ (4 letters)
2 Down: "Yup, yup, yup" (5 letters)
3 Down: Dating app action (5 letters)
4 Down: Printer powder (5 letters)
6 Down: Suffix with silver or glass (4 letters)
How NYT Mini Crossword Works
The NYT Mini Crossword is a bite-sized daily puzzle created by Joel Fagliano. Unlike the standard 15x15 daily crossword, the Mini uses a compact grid — usually 5x5, sometimes larger on Saturdays — designed to be solved in a few minutes. Today's Mini is 5x5 with 10 clues, and its longest answer is 5 letters.
- Across & Down Clues are divided into horizontal (Across) and vertical (Down) directions with numbers matching grid coordinates.
- Progressive Hints Use Hint 1 for a descriptive nudge or Hint 2 for starting and ending letter bounds before using full reveals.
- Daily Reset New Mini puzzles drop daily at 10:00 PM EST on weekdays/Saturdays and 6:00 PM EST on Sundays.
NYT Mini FAQ for October 2, 2026
How many clues are in the October 2, 2026 NYT Mini crossword?
The Mini (#24564, 2026-10-02) has 10 clues — 5 Across and 5 Down.
What size is the October 2, 2026 Mini grid?
A 5x5 grid.
What's the longest answer in this puzzle?
5 letters — no spoilers, but that's your longest foothold if you're stuck.