Change your background before or during a Zoom call in three steps

You can replace the background behind you with an image or blur it entirely. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you are setting it up before a call starts or changing it while you are already in one. Desktop and mobile apps have the same options, though the menu locations differ. Virtual backgrounds work best when you have decent lighting and a plain wall behind you — busy backgrounds or poor lighting can make the blur or image look choppy.

Zoom stores your background choice as a default, so once you set it, the same background will appear in your next call unless you change it again. You can also switch backgrounds mid-call without anyone seeing you adjust the settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Desktop users access background settings through the video icon in the meeting controls or through Settings before the call starts.
  • Mobile users tap the three dots menu during a call or go to Settings before joining to change their background.
  • Blur is the fastest option and works on any device; custom images require you to upload a file or choose from Zoom's built-in library.
  • Your background choice persists across calls until you manually change it to something else.
  • Poor lighting or a cluttered background behind you can make virtual backgrounds appear pixelated or glitchy.

How to change your background on desktop before a call

Open Zoom and sign in. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then select Settings. On the left sidebar, click Virtual Background. You will see three options: Blur, None, or an image. Click the checkbox next to Blur to enable it, or click the plus sign to upload your own image or choose from Zoom's library of backgrounds.

If you choose an image, Zoom will show you a preview of how it looks. Once you have selected your background, close Settings. The background will be active the next time you join a call. You do not need to do anything else — Zoom remembers your choice.

How to change your background on desktop during a call

While you are in a meeting, look at the bottom of your screen where the meeting controls are. Find the video icon (it looks like a camera). Hover over it and click the up arrow next to it. A menu will pop up with Choose a virtual background at the bottom. Click that option and select Blur, upload an image, or pick one from Zoom's collection. The change takes effect immediately.

You can switch backgrounds as many times as you want during a single call. No one in the meeting will see you making the change — they will only see the new background appear.

How to change your background on mobile

On iPhone or Android, the process depends on whether you are already in a call. Before joining a call, open the Zoom app, tap your profile picture, go to Settings, and look for Virtual Background. Tap it and choose Blur or upload an image from your phone's camera roll.

During a call on mobile, tap the three dots menu at the bottom right of your screen. Tap Virtual Background and make your choice. On some Android devices, the option may be labeled Background instead. The change happens right away.

Using Zoom's built-in background images

Zoom provides a library of professional backgrounds you can use without uploading anything. When you click to choose a background, you will see thumbnails of options like offices, nature scenes, and abstract designs. Click any one to preview it, then click again to apply it. These images are stored on Zoom's servers, so they work even if you switch devices.

You can also upload your own image from your computer or phone. Zoom accepts JPG, PNG, and GIF files. The image should be at least 1920 by 1080 pixels for the best quality, though smaller images will work. If your image is smaller, Zoom will stretch it, which can make it look blurry.

Why your background looks pixelated or glitchy

Virtual backgrounds use your device's processor to detect where you end and the background begins. If your lighting is poor, if you are wearing clothes that blend into your background, or if there is a lot of movement behind you, Zoom struggles to draw the line cleanly. The result is a jagged or flickering edge around your body.

To improve the look, turn on a light in front of you or to the side, move away from the wall, and wear clothes that contrast with your background. If you are still seeing problems, use Blur instead of an image — blur is less demanding on your device and usually looks cleaner. Older phones and computers may also have trouble with virtual backgrounds; if the feature is very slow or crashes, your device may not have enough processing power.

Turning off your virtual background

To go back to showing your real background, open the Virtual Background settings the same way you opened them to add one. Click the radio button next to None. Your real background will show in your next call. If you want to turn it off just for one call, use the same menu during the call to select None.

Once you select None, Zoom will stop applying any virtual background or blur to your video. You can turn a background back on at any time by returning to the same settings menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a video or animated GIF as my background?

Zoom supports animated GIFs as backgrounds. Upload a GIF file the same way you would upload a still image. Video files are not supported — you can only use still images and GIFs. Some older devices may struggle with animated GIFs and fall back to showing a still frame instead.

Will my background work if I do not have good lighting?

Virtual backgrounds work in low light, but the edges around you will look rough and pixelated. Zoom's blur feature is more forgiving in poor lighting than custom images are. If you cannot add lighting, blur is your best option.

Can other people see me adjusting my background during a call?

No. When you change your background mid-call, other participants see only the new background appear. They do not see you in the settings menu or the transition happening. You can switch backgrounds as many times as you want without anyone noticing the process.

What if the Virtual Background option is grayed out or missing?

Your device may not meet Zoom's system requirements, or your Zoom account may have the feature disabled by an administrator. If you are using Zoom through your workplace or school, contact your IT department. If you are using a personal account, try updating Zoom to the latest version.

Does my background choice save if I sign out of Zoom?

Yes. Zoom stores your background preference on your account, so it will be there when you sign back in on any device. If you sign in on a new device, you may need to set your background again the first time.