Where to find the background settings in Teams

Open Microsoft Teams and start or join a meeting. Look for the three dots (more options) in the meeting controls at the bottom of your screen. Click those dots, then select Show device settings or Settings. You'll see a camera icon — click it. This opens the camera settings panel where background options appear.

On some versions of Teams, the background button appears directly in the meeting toolbar as a small image icon. If you see it there, click it once to open the background menu without going through settings.

If you're using Teams on a phone or tablet, swipe up during a meeting to reveal the toolbar, then tap the three dots and look for Background effects or Blur.

Key Takeaways

  • Background options are in the meeting controls menu under camera or device settings, accessible only during an active meeting or call.
  • Teams offers three main choices: blur your background, use a built-in image, or upload your own photo or video file.
  • Blur works on any device and requires no setup; custom images need to be saved on your computer first.
  • Background changes take effect immediately and apply only to what others see — your own screen shows your actual background.
  • Some organizations disable background features through policy, so the option may not appear even if your Teams version supports it.

Blur your background without uploading anything

The simplest option is blur. Click the background menu during a meeting and select Blur. Teams immediately softens everything behind you so people see you clearly but not your surroundings. This works on all devices and requires no files or setup.

Blur is useful when you're in a messy room, at home, or in a public space. It processes on your device in real time, so there's no delay or lag. If you change your mind, click the background menu again and select None to turn blur off.

Use Teams' built-in background images

Teams comes with a library of professional backgrounds — office settings, abstract designs, nature scenes, and branded images. During a meeting, open the background menu and browse the thumbnails. Click any image to apply it instantly.

Built-in images work immediately and don't require you to find or save files. However, the selection is fixed and the same across all users. If you want something specific to your organization or personal preference, you'll need to upload your own.

Upload a custom background image or video

To use your own photo or video, save it to your computer first. During a meeting, open the background menu and look for a + button or Add new option. Click it and select the image or video file from your computer. Teams will add it to your background library.

Image files should be in JPG, PNG, or BMP format. Video files work in MP4 format. The file size limit is typically 5 MB, though this varies by Teams version. Once uploaded, the background appears in your library and you can use it in any future meeting.

Custom backgrounds process on your device, so performance depends on your computer's power. On older machines or slower internet connections, you may notice slight lag or pixelation. If this happens, switch to blur or a built-in image instead.

What happens if background options don't appear

Your organization may have disabled background features through policy. If the background menu doesn't show up even during a meeting, contact your IT department or help desk — they control whether this feature is available to you.

Some older versions of Teams or certain devices (particularly older phones or tablets) don't support backgrounds at all. Updating Teams to the latest version usually fixes this. On a computer, go to your Teams settings and check for updates. On a phone, update through your device's app store.

Troubleshooting common background problems

If your background looks pixelated or blurry, your camera may be out of focus. Adjust your camera lens or move closer to the light source. If blur is causing lag, switch to a built-in image or no background instead.

If a custom background won't upload, check that the file is in the correct format (JPG, PNG, BMP for images; MP4 for video) and under 5 MB. If the file is too large, use an image editor to reduce the resolution or crop it smaller. If the upload still fails, try a different file — some corrupted files won't process.

If your background changes keep reverting to the default, Teams may have reset your settings. This sometimes happens after an update. Simply reapply your background choice during the next meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a video as my background?

Yes. Save the video as an MP4 file under 5 MB and upload it the same way you would an image. The video will loop continuously during your meeting. Keep videos short and simple — long or complex videos may cause performance issues on slower computers.

Will my background show on my own screen?

No. You always see your actual background on your own screen. Only other meeting participants see the blur or image you've chosen. This lets you see what's actually behind you while keeping your surroundings private from others.

Do I have to set a background before every meeting?

Yes. Background choices don't carry over between meetings. Each time you join a call, you'll need to select your background again if you want one. However, custom images you've uploaded stay in your library, so you can reuse them quickly.

What if my internet connection is slow?

Blur and built-in backgrounds use less bandwidth than custom images. If your connection is unreliable, stick with blur or no background. Custom backgrounds process locally on your device, so they don't require extra bandwidth — the lag comes from your computer working harder, not from your internet speed.

Can my organization force everyone to use a specific background?

No. Individual users always choose their own background. However, organizations can disable the background feature entirely through policy, which prevents anyone from using it. They cannot mandate a specific background for all users.