Can a Chinese app really turn off an ATM?:Viral claim that BAT-BMS app can hack the machine is misleading; know the technical reality of ATM security

Imagine standing at an ATM and watching someone pull out their phone, tap a few buttons on an app, and suddenly the ATM shuts down. That’s exactly what a viral social media video is making people believe. The clip claims that a Chinese mobile app can remotely switch an ATM on and off, raising serious concerns about whether our money is really safe.
But cybersecurity experts say there is much more to the story. The truth is that the video is misleading, and ATMs are nowhere near as easy to control as the clip suggests. What does the viral video claim? The video shows a person standing near an ATM while using a mobile application that resembles battery management apps such as BAT-BMS, which are commonly used with electric vehicles and e-rickshaws. Moments later, the ATM appears to switch off, making it look as though the app was responsible.
This has led many people to wonder whether hackers can actually control ATMs using ordinary smartphone apps. Can a mobile app really control an ATM?
According to cybersecurity experts, a regular mobile application cannot remotely switch an ATM on or off. Unlike electric vehicles or e-rickshaws, ATMs are not connected to consumer Bluetooth apps. They operate on highly secure banking systems that are completely separate from public networks. Every ATM communicates with its bank through encrypted and dedicated networks that are protected by multiple layers of security. This makes it impossible for a simple mobile app to connect to or control the machine. Also read: Should you ignore calls from +91 140 or 1600 numbers?: India’s telecom regulator clarifies rules to reduce frauds; know the actual meaning of them

Why does the video look convincing Experts believe the timing shown in the viral clip is what fooled viewers. ATMs are regularly restarted for several reasons, including: It is likely that the person in the video simply timed the app demonstration with one of these normal restart processes, creating the illusion that the phone controlled the ATM. So far, no bank or financial institution has reported any security breach related to this viral video. Why are Chinese battery apps being discussed? The confusion comes from an earlier issue involving certain Chinese battery management apps used in e-rickshaws. Some poorly designed e-rickshaws allowed their battery systems to be controlled remotely because they lacked proper password protection. Apps such as BAT-BMS could manage battery functions in those vehicles. After concerns were raised, the Indian government directed app stores to remove several such battery management applications. However, unofficial copies of these apps later appeared online. Because of those real incidents, many people assumed the same apps could also control ATMs. Experts say that assumption is incorrect. How the rumour probably started Cybersecurity experts believe someone took advantage of the earlier e-rickshaw controversy. The creator likely used a battery management app on their phone while standing near an ATM that was already about to restart or was switched off manually. By syncing the phone actions with the ATM’s reboot, the video created the false impression that the app had complete control over the machine.
This type of staged content often spreads quickly because it looks believable. Also read: Meta takes down Instagram AI image feature after privacy backlash: Feature let users create AI pictures of anyone with public account by simply entering their username

Should ATM users be worried? Experts say there is no evidence that ATMs can be remotely controlled using apps like the one shown in the viral video. While cyber threats do exist, banks continuously update their security systems to protect customer accounts and ATM networks. The bigger concern is misinformation. Before believing or sharing such viral claims, it’s always best to verify the information through trusted sources rather than relying on social media clips alone.