Last Updated on July 19, 2022 by Mathew Diekhake

Towelroot was created after hacker Pinkie Pie found a new and large exploit within the Linux kernel. The exploit has been well-documented here: Linux kernel CVE-2014-3153. Since the exploit in the Linux kernal was so large, the Android developers patched it and all later version of Android Kitkat, Lollipop and Marshmallow, no longer support this tool. However, if your Sony Xperia M Dual is running one of the compatible versions of Android KitKat, you can root it using the Towelroot method.

You do not brick your Xperia M handset by rooting it with Towelroot, so anyone can try to see if it works. If you are running KitKat but it doesn’t work, it means you need to downgrade your Sony Xperia M Dual smartphone to an earlier version of KitKat. Once done, you can use this guide and it will root your device.

Sony Xperia M

Files You Need

  1. Point the web browser on your Xperia M dual device to this web address when it says to do so during the guide: http://towelroot.com.
  2. The Towelroot tool works on the Sony Xperia M Dual device running Android KitKat software updates with a kernel version before June 3 2014. As long as you are running an Android KitKat version before that date, you can root this device using the Towelroot method below.
  3. Anyone running KitKat or Lollipop on the Xperia M Dual with a kernel date after June 3 can downgrade the firmware using the Flash Tool and start running an earlier version of Android KitKat.

Rooting the Sony Xpria M Dual

  1. Make sure the Unknown Sources is working on your device so you can install third-party apps on the M Dual device from outside the Google Play Store. To do that, head over to the Settings > scroll down to Security > scroll down to the Unknown Sources.
  2. Open a web browser on your Xperia M Dual device — it can be any browser. Choose the one you would normally browse the internet with so you are familiar with the browser.
  3. Type the Towelroot URL you can see in the files section above.
  4. Wait for the Towelroot homepage to load and tap on the red Lambda symbol in the middle.
  5. Tap the “OK” button, followed by “Install“.
  6. Tap the “Open” button.
  7. Lastly, tap your finger on the “Make it Ra1n” button and the Towelroot app will now root your device.
  8. Open the Google Play Store application and install the SuperSU app by Chainfire. The SuperSU will keep your device safe from any malware. Once you have the SuperSU on your device, the malware cannot access your root file system. Each app will communicate through the SuperSU app, resulting in the SuperSU app notifying you when an app wants root access. Any app that does not look familiar you should not grant access. That’s how you remain safe.

Finish it off by installing the root checker app on your device and you’re done. The root checker app will tell you if your device has been rooted with Towelroot or if it didn’t work.