How to blur background in zoom

If you prefer to maintain your privacy by hiding the space behind you during Zoom calls, it may be in your best interest to take advantage of Zoom’s blur background feature.

This article will show you how to darken the background using different operating systems. Since the feature is not currently available for mobile devices, we will take you through the workaround to achieve a blurry background look. Additionally, our FAQ includes how to use default backgrounds to upload photos and videos for backgrounds.

Change zoom settings for background blur on Windows 10

To blur the background before a Zoom call in Windows 10:

1. Launch Zoom and sign in to your account.
2. At the top right, click on the gear icon option “Settings”.
3. In “Settings”, select “Backgrounds and filters”.
4. Then select the “Blur” option, and the background will appear blurry instantly.

To blur the background during a Zoom call in Windows 10:

1. On the meeting screen, locate the bar at the bottom. You may have to move the mouse down to make it visible.
2. Locate the Stop Video button with the chevron facing up.
3. Click the arrow, then Video settings > Backgrounds and filters.
   
   
4. Then select File “blur” option, and your background will appear blurred immediately.

Change zoom settings for background blur with Mac

To blur the background before a Zoom call on a Mac, do the following:

1. Launch Zoom and sign in to your account.
2. Towards the top right, tap “Settings” Gear icon option.
3. in “settings,” Determine Backgrounds and filters.
4. Then select File “blur” option, your background will appear blurred immediately.

To blur the background during a Zoom call on a Mac:

1. On the meeting screen, locate the bar at the bottom. You may have to use the mouse to make it visible.
2. Locate a file “stop the video” Chevron button pointing up.
3. Click the arrow, then Video settings > Backgrounds and filters.
4. Then select File “blur” Selection. Your background will appear blurry instantly.

How to Blur Background in Zoom on iPhone or Android

Background blur feature is now available for mobile devices; Just follow these steps:

1. Launch the Zoom app on your Android or iOS device.
2. Make sure your video is enabled, then join or create a new meeting.
3. Once the meeting has started, tap anywhere on the screen to bring up the controls.
4. At the bottom right, click File “more” button.
5. tap on Background and filters.
6. Choose “blur”.

Now, you can roam with your phone, or do other tasks while on a Zoom conference call.

How to turn off background blur in zoom

Maybe you just need to darken the background for a short while. If so, it is easy to turn off the blur feature. Here’s how:

1. Open Zoom, log in, and tap Settings Cog in the upper right corner.
2. Click Backgrounds and filters.
3. Click no one. This will be the first option in the list of background images.

Now, your background will be back to your real photo instead of blurry or loaded photo.

How to add your own background

If you’d rather create your own background rather than a static blur, you can. But note that this only works if the meeting administrator allows it. Yes, there is a setting to turn virtual wallpapers on and off.

Before we dive in, let’s first walk you through turning on the option:

1. Head over to Zoom on your web browser and scroll down in the menu on the left side to Account management.
   
2. Click Account settings.
3. Scroll down to File At the meeting (advanced) Section and check the two boxes below default background.
   *advice: Use Control + F or Command + F to type Virtual Background and quickly locate the setting.

Now, you can apply your own background to your Zoom meeting. Here’s how:

1. Log in to Zoom and select a file Settings Cog in the upper right corner.
   
2. click Backgrounds and filters.
3. Click on the small + under the preview window. then press Add image.
4. Select the photo you want to use as the background in the Zoom meeting.

Now, you can start your next meeting with the background of your choice.

Zoom Background Blur FAQ

Here are some answers to your questions about Zoom meetings.

Why is Zoom obscuring parts of me?

You may be confused because the camera is out of focus. To completely avoid this problem, consider investing in a webcam with auto focus. They are reasonably priced and worth buying if you attend video calls frequently. You can also manually refocus the camera; This is usually accomplished by wrapping the ring around the lens.

Additionally, make sure the camera lens is clean by dipping a silk or microfiber cloth in isopropyl alcohol and wiping it gently.

What resolution should my zoom background be blurred to?

Zoom’s background blur feature works by blurring everything in the room you’re in during a call — other than blurring. If you want to use an image for your background, Zoom recommends a minimum resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.

Why is the background blur option not showing up?

If you don’t see the “Blur” option in Zoom, try the following:

Make sure your computer supports the latest update

The blur feature is part of the latest version of Zoom software; Therefore, you will need to download at least Client 5.7.5 version on your PC or Mac. To check if you need to update or not:

1. Start Zoom and log in to your account.

2. On the top right, click on your profile picture.

3. Then scroll down and select “Check for Updates”.

If you have the latest version installed and the dimming option is not available, try shutting down and restarting your computer after five minutes or so.

Make sure your PC meets blur background requirements

Using the dimming feature requires different supported processors for Windows and macOS. For default background requirements, check Zoom’s help center.

An easy way to find out if your computer’s processor is powerful enough:

1. Start Zoom and log in to your account.

2. On the top right, click on your profile picture.

3. Select “Settings” > “Backgrounds & Filters.”

4. Under “Default wallpapers” uncheck “I have a green screen”.

5. Then hover over the default wallpapers queue. If you get an error message saying that you need a green screen to support default backgrounds, this confirms that your computer does not support blurred backgrounds.

If you still don’t see the blurry backgrounds feature, consider contacting support via Zoom Help Center.

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Now that you know how to default to Zoom backgrounds with a blur effect, photos or video, have you switched between different backgrounds and effects, or did you pick one and stick with it? Please let us know in the comments section below.