How to Change the Background in Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams video conferencing has a handy feature that allows you to change your background. This comes in useful when you don’t want your real background to be visible. You can have a beach, mountain, or a different room as your background. This gives you more privacy, especially when you’re in a meeting with a lot of o people you may not even know.

Changing the background takes just a few steps. In this article, we will show you how to change the background in Microsoft Teams on different devices.

How to Change Background in Microsoft Teams on Android

Using an Android phone for meetings on Microsoft Teams can be very convenient. You can be on the move and still touch base with the office. But this also means that your location may not be one you want to share at that time. Teams gives you the option to change your background before a meeting and during a meeting.

You can select a Background effect in Background settings before entering a conference. Your background selections are shown under your image.

You may also change the background picture to one of the available photos or one of your own choosing.

To use your own image, the steps are:

1. Click the + symbol.
2. Choose a photo from your device. Check that it’s a.JPG,.PNG, or.BMP file.
3. Choose “Done.”

Until you change it again, your new backdrop will appear in all of your meetings and phone conversations.

To disable background effects, tap on the “no symbol” icon.

To change your background during a meeting, the steps are:

1. Go to meeting controls and tap on “More Options.”
2. Select “Background effects.”
3. Select one of the images that are provided or choose your own image.
4. Tap “Done.”

Keep in mind that there are some technical requirements your Android phone needs to meet to change the background. Those requirements are:

• Teams’ mobile app for Android (version 1416/1.0.0.2021143402 or later)
• Android version 10 or later
• GPU (Qualcomm Adreno 610 or later, Arm Mali-G71 or later, Arm Mali-T720 or later

How to Change Background in Microsoft Teams on an iPhone

In April 2021, Microsoft Teams started supporting unique backdrops for video calls and meetings on iOS. The steps to change a background are similar to those used on an Android phone.

1. Go to Backdrop effects to edit your background before attending or beginning a Teams meeting.
   
   • If you’re already in a video chat, scroll to the bottom of the screen and click or press the three dots to access your Meeting controls.
     
2. Select “Background effects” from the “More” actions menu.
   
   • Either “Select Blur” to blur your backdrop or replace it with a picture from the available options. You may even make your own graphics, post them to Teams, and use them as the backdrop image for your video chats. Simply choose “Add new.” You’ll be able to see how your backdrop will look by previewing it.
     
3. If you like it, click the “Apply” button.

How to Change the Background in Microsoft Teams on an iPad

Changing your Microsoft Teams background on an iPad is very similar to changing it on the iPhone.

1. Before attending or starting a Teams meeting, go to Backdrop effects and modify your backdrop.
   
   • If the video chat is in progress, scroll to the bottom of the screen and locate the three dots to access Meeting controls, then tap them.
     
2. From the “More Actions” menu, choose “Show background effects.”
   
   • Either choose “Blur” to blur your backdrop or replace it with one of the available images. You may also create your own pictures and upload them to Teams to use as the background picture for your video conversations. Simply choose “Add new.” By previewing your backdrop, you’ll be able to see how it will look.
     
3. Click the “Apply” button if you like it.

How to Change the Background in Microsoft Teams on a PC

Changing the Microsoft Teams background while using a PC is pretty straightforward. You also have the option to do so during or before a meeting. Keep in mind that this isn’t available if you are using a Linux operating system.

Select Background filters while you’re setting up your video and audio before attending a meeting. It’s directly beneath the video picture. On the right, you’ll see your backdrop selections.

To blur your backdrop, choose “Blur.” You’ll seem bright and clear while everything behind you is discreetly hidden.

You may also change the background picture to one of the available photos or one of your own choosing. To use your own image, choose “Add new” and then choose one to upload from your computer. Check that it’s a .JPG,.PNG, or.BMP file.

Until you change it again, your new backdrop will appear in all of your meetings and phone conversations. Click on the “no symbol” icon to disable background effects.

To change your background during a meeting, follow these steps:

1. Open “More Options” and select “Apply background effects.”
   
2. Select “Blur” to blur your backdrop, or replace it with one of the available photos.
   
3. To upload your own picture, click “Add new” and select a .jpg, .png, or.bmp file from your computer.
4. Select Preview to see how your chosen backdrop will look before applying it, and then click “Apply.”
   

Additional FAQs

Are There Requirements for Uploading a Picture as My Background?

Yes, there are. Not all photos can be used as backgrounds. They must match the following criteria, and you will be unable to add them to your set if they do not:

• Minimum resolution: 360 × 360 pixels

• Maximum resolution: 2048 × 2048 pixels

• File format: .jpeg, .png, and .bmp

• Aspect ratio: more than four

Why Can’t I Blur or Change My Background?

If you don’t see the Blur Background option or the option to change your background under More choices, it’s because your device isn’t yet supported. Microsoft is still trying to make this function available to all devices since it may be dependent on device capability. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t see it; it may take some time for them to activate support.

Try updating your app if you are using your phone. You can try updating the program on your Windows 11/10 computer, logging out of the app, signing back in, and so on. You can’t blur the backdrop while your camera isn’t working for obvious reasons.

Be Creative

You don’t have to settle with conventional backdrops. If you’re a creative person, you can make your own. Adobe Photoshop and Wallpaper Engine are two tools that allow you to design graphics or wallpapers. When you’re done making your new, one-of-a-kind backdrops, you may upload them using any of the ways listed.

Besides giving you more creativity, this feature allows you to be more professional and have more privacy. The view of the setting behind you may be disorganized, or people may be moving behind you and distract your coworkers or peers. Or you may just want to make your background appears interesting regardless of where you are, especially if the encounter is informal.

Have you tried changing your background before? Do you have a favorite one? Let us know in the comment section below!