Where to find the background settings in Teams

Open Microsoft Teams and start or join a meeting. Look for the three dots (more options) at the bottom right of your screen during the call. Click those dots, then select Show background effects or Background settings — the exact wording depends on whether you're on desktop, web, or mobile.

If you're not yet in a meeting, you can preview background options before you join. Go to your profile picture in the top right corner, select Settings, then Devices, then Camera. Scroll down to Background effects. This route lets you test how things look without being live on a call.

On mobile (iPhone or Android), the process is similar but the menu location changes slightly. During a meeting, tap the three dots at the bottom, then tap Background effects. The same settings panel opens.

Key Takeaways

  • Background effects are accessed through the three-dot menu at the bottom right of your screen during a Teams meeting.
  • Teams offers three types of backgrounds: blur (softens what's behind you), preset images (supplied by Teams), and custom images (photos you upload yourself).
  • You can test background settings before joining a meeting by going to Settings > Devices > Camera > Background effects.
  • Custom backgrounds work best when they are landscape-oriented images smaller than 5 MB, though Teams will resize larger files automatically.
  • Some organizations disable background effects for security or compliance reasons, so the option may not appear even if your Teams version supports it.

Using blur instead of a background image

Blur is the simplest option and requires no setup. When you select Blur, Teams softens everything behind you — your actual room stays visible but out of focus. This is useful if you want to hide clutter without uploading an image.

Blur works on most devices, though older computers or phones may struggle with the processing. If blur appears grayed out or doesn't work during your meeting, your device may not have enough processing power. Try closing other programs and rejoining the meeting.

Choosing a preset background from Teams

Teams includes a library of preset backgrounds — office scenes, nature images, abstract designs, and branded backdrops. These appear in the background effects panel as thumbnail images. Click any thumbnail to preview it on your camera feed, then click it again to apply it.

Preset backgrounds are already optimized for video calls and don't require any upload or storage on your part. They change seasonally, so Teams may add new options periodically. If you don't see an image you remember, it may have been rotated out.

Uploading and using your own image

To use a custom image, look for the + icon or Add new button in the background effects panel. Click it, then browse your computer or phone for an image file. Teams accepts JPG, PNG, and BMP files up to 5 MB.

The best custom backgrounds are landscape-oriented (wider than they are tall) and at least 1920 × 1080 pixels. If your image is smaller or portrait-oriented, Teams will stretch or crop it to fit the video frame, which can distort it. Test your image during a practice call before using it in an important meeting.

Once you upload an image, it stays in your background library. You can use it again on future calls without re-uploading. To remove a custom background, right-click its thumbnail and select Delete.

Troubleshooting when background effects don't appear

If you don't see the background effects option at all, check whether your organization has disabled the feature. Some companies turn off background effects for security, compliance, or bandwidth reasons. Contact your IT department to ask whether it's available for your account.

If the option appears but blur or custom images don't work, your camera or device may not support the feature. Background effects require a camera with at least 720p resolution and a processor capable of real-time video processing. Laptops and newer phones usually meet this requirement; older or budget devices may not.

If a custom image uploads but looks distorted or pixelated on your call, the image file may be too small or in the wrong format. Try a different image or resize your current one to at least 1920 × 1080 pixels before uploading again.

Differences between desktop, web, and mobile Teams

The desktop version of Teams (installed on your computer) offers the most stable background performance and the widest range of options. The web version (teams.microsoft.com in your browser) also supports backgrounds but may use more of your computer's processing power. Mobile versions support backgrounds but with fewer preset options and sometimes slower performance on older phones.

If you switch between devices during the day, your custom backgrounds sync across them — upload once on desktop and you can use that image on your phone. However, the blur effect and preset library may look slightly different depending on which version you're using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a video as a background instead of a still image?

No. Teams backgrounds must be static images (JPG, PNG, or BMP files). Video files are not supported. If you want a dynamic background, you'll need to use one of the preset animated options Teams provides, if available in your region.

Why does my background look blurry or pixelated during the call?

This usually means your image is too small or your internet connection is struggling. Try uploading a larger image (at least 1920 × 1080 pixels) and close other programs that use bandwidth. If the problem persists, your device may not have enough processing power to handle background effects smoothly.

Can I set a different background for each meeting?

Yes. You can change your background before joining any meeting or during a call. The background you select applies only to that meeting unless you change it again. Your last-used background does not automatically apply to your next meeting.

What happens to my background if I'm recording the meeting?

Your background effect is included in the recording. Anyone who watches the recording will see the blur, preset image, or custom image you selected during the call. If you want to hide your background in a recording, you must use blur or a background image — removing the effect entirely will show your actual room.

Do background effects work if I'm sharing my screen?

No. When you share your screen, your camera feed shrinks to a small window and background effects are disabled. Once you stop sharing, your background effect returns. This is by design to keep screen sharing clear and focused.