How to Blur the Background in Zoom

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

This article will show you how to blur your background using various operating systems. Since the feature is not currently available for mobile devices, we’ll take you through the workaround to achieve a blurred background look. Plus, our FAQs include how to use virtual backgrounds to upload your images and videos for backgrounds.

Change Zoom Settings to Blur the Background on Windows 10 Or Mac

The steps when using a Windows computer or a Mac are actually the same. To blur your background before your Zoom call from your computer:

1. Launch Zoom and sign in to your account.
   
   
2. Towards the top-right, click on the Settings gear icon option.
   
3. In Settings, select Backgrounds & Filters.
   
4. Then select the Blur option, and your background will appear blurred straight away.
   

To blur your background during your Zoom call:

1. On the meeting screen, locate the bar at the bottom. You might have to move your mouse to the bottom to make it visible.
   
2. Locate the Stop Video button with an upwards-pointing chevron.
   
3. Click on the arrow, then Video Settings > Backgrounds & Filters.
   
4. Then select the Blur option, and your background will appear blurred straight away.
   

How To Blur the Background in Zoom on an iPhone or Android Device

The background blur feature is now available for mobile devices; simply follow these steps:

1. Launch the Zoom app via your Android or iOS device.
   
2. Ensure your video is enabled, then join or create a new meeting.
   
3. Once the meeting has started, tap anywhere on the screen to show the controls.
   
4. In the bottom right, tap on the More button.
   
5. Tap on Background & filters.
   
6. Select Blur.
   

Now, you can walk around with your phone, or take care of other tasks while on a Zoom conference call.

How to Turn Off Background Blur in Zoom

Perhaps you only needed to blur your background for a short time. If so, it’s easy to turn the blur feature off. Here’s how:

1. Open Zoom, sign in, and click the Settings cog in the upper right-hand corner.
   
2. Click on Backgrounds & Filters.
   
3. Click on None. This will be the first option in the list of background images.
   

Now, your background will revert to your real one rather than a blur or uploaded image.

How to Add Your Own Background

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

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

1. Head to Zoom on a web browser and scroll down the left-side menu to Account Management.
   
2. Click on Account Settings.
   
3. Scroll down to the In Meeting (Advanced) section and check the two boxes under Virtual Background.
   
4. *Tip: Use the Control + F or Command + F to type Virtual Background and locate the setting quickly.
   

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

1. Sign in to Zoom and select the Settings cog in the upper right corner.
   
2. Click Backgrounds & Filters.
   
3. Click on the small + icon under the preview window. Then, click Add Image.
   
4. Select the photo you’d like to use as your background for your Zoom meeting.
   

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

Zoom Background Blur FAQs

Here are some more answers to your questions about Zoom meetings.

Why Is Zoom Blurring Parts of Me?

You could be blurry because your camera is out of focus. To avoid this problem altogether, consider investing in an auto-focusing webcam. They are reasonably priced and worth purchasing if you frequently attend video calls. You can also manually re-focus your camera; this is usually achieved by twisting the ring around the lens.

Plus, ensure that your 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 to Blur?

Zoom’s blur background feature works by blurring everything in the room you’re in during a call—apart from blurring you. 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 do not see the Blur option in Zoom, try the following:

Ensure Your Computer Supports the Latest Update

The blur feature is part of Zoom’s latest Client version; therefore, you’ll need to have at least Client version 5.7.5 downloaded on your PC or Mac. To check whether you need an update:

1. Launch Zoom and sign in to your account.

2. At 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 blur option is unavailable, try turning off your computer and switching it back on after five or so minutes.

Ensure Your Computer Meets the Blur Background Requirements

Using the blur feature requires different supported processors for Windows and macOS. To find out the virtual background requirements, check out the Zoom help center.

An easy way to find out whether your computer’s processor is strong enough:

1. Launch Zoom and sign in to your account.

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

3. Select Settings > Backgrounds & Filters.

4. Under Virtual Backgrounds, uncheck I have a green screen.

5. Then, hover over your queue of virtual backgrounds. If you receive an error message saying you need a green screen to support virtual backgrounds, this confirms your computer doesn’t support blurred backgrounds.

If you still don’t see the blurred backgrounds feature, consider contacting support via the Zoom help center.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know how to virtualize your Zoom backgrounds using a blur effect, images, or video, have you been swapping between different backgrounds and effects, or have you picked one background and stuck with it? Please let us know in the comments section below.