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

Open Microsoft Teams and go to your profile picture in the top right corner. Select Settings, then Devices, then Camera. Under "Background settings," choose Blur, Default, or Custom to upload your own image. If you want to change your background only for a specific call, join the meeting, select More actions (the three dots), and pick Show background effects to choose a new background without leaving the call.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use Teams on a computer, phone, or web browser. Desktop versions (Windows and Mac) offer the most background options. Mobile apps let you blur or use a default background but may not support custom images. The web version of Teams has similar options to the desktop app but sometimes requires you to enable camera permissions first.

Key Takeaways

  • Desktop Teams lets you blur your background, use a solid color, or upload a custom image; mobile and web versions have fewer options.
  • You can change your background in Settings before any call, or during a call by selecting More actions and Show background effects.
  • Custom background images must be in JPG, PNG, or BMP format and work best when they are at least 1920 by 1080 pixels.
  • If background effects do not appear, check that your camera is enabled in Settings and that your device meets Teams' system requirements.

Where to find background settings on desktop

On Windows or Mac, select your profile picture in the top right of the Teams window. Click Settings, then navigate to Devices on the left sidebar. Select Camera to see all background options. You will see toggles for Blur my background and a dropdown menu labeled Background effects.

If you choose Blur, Teams will soften everything behind you but keep you in focus. If you select Default, Teams uses a solid color or light pattern. To use a custom image, click Add new under the background effects menu and choose a file from your computer. Teams will remember your choice and use it as your default for future calls unless you change it again.

How to change your background during a call

Once you are in a Teams meeting, you do not have to leave or restart to change your background. Look for More actions — usually three dots or a menu icon — in the meeting controls at the bottom of your screen. Select it and look for Show background effects or Background effects. A panel will open on the right side showing blur, default, and any custom backgrounds you have saved.

Click the background you want to use, and it will take effect immediately. Other people in the call will see the new background right away. If you do not see the background effects option during a call, your camera may not be turned on yet, or your version of Teams may need an update.

Using custom background images

Custom backgrounds must be image files in JPG, PNG, or BMP format. Teams works best with images that are 1920 by 1080 pixels or larger, though smaller images will still work. Avoid very small files or unusual dimensions, as Teams may stretch or distort them.

To add a custom image, go to Settings > Devices > Camera and select Add new under Background effects. Navigate to the image file on your computer and open it. Once you upload it, the image appears in your background effects list and stays there until you remove it. You can add multiple custom images and switch between them at any time.

Background effects on mobile and web

The Teams mobile app (iOS and Android) supports background blur but has limited custom background options compared to desktop. To blur your background on mobile, join a call, tap More (three dots), and select Background effects. Choose Blur from the options shown. Some mobile versions do not support uploading custom images, though this varies by device and Teams version.

The web version of Teams (teams.microsoft.com) offers background options similar to the desktop app. Join a call, select More actions, and choose Show background effects. You can blur, use a default background, or upload a custom image the same way you would on desktop. Make sure your browser has permission to access your camera before you join a call.

Troubleshooting when background effects do not work

If you cannot see background effect options or they appear grayed out, first check that your camera is enabled. Go to Settings > Devices > Camera and confirm the toggle next to your camera name is turned on. If it is off, turn it on and restart Teams.

Background effects also require a certain amount of processing power. If your computer is older or running many programs at once, Teams may disable background effects to keep the call stable. Close other applications and try again. If the option still does not appear, update Teams to the latest version by going to Settings > About Teams and checking for updates. Some older devices or operating systems may not support background effects at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can other people see my background before I join a call?

No. Your background setting only takes effect once you are in a call or meeting. Before you join, other people see your profile picture or a blank screen depending on your camera status. The background you set in Settings becomes active the moment you turn on your camera in a meeting.

Will my background setting stay the same for every call?

Yes. Once you set a background in Settings, Teams uses it for all future calls unless you change it. If you change your background during a specific call, that change applies only to that call. Your default setting returns the next time you join a meeting.

What if my custom background image is too small?

Teams will still use it, but the image may appear stretched or blurry. For the best result, use images at least 1920 by 1080 pixels. If you notice distortion, try a larger image or a different file format (JPG or PNG usually work better than BMP).

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

No. Teams background effects only support static images in JPG, PNG, or BMP format. Animated GIFs and video files will not work. Stick to still images for the best results.

Why does my background look different on my screen than on other people's screens?

Background processing happens on your device, so what you see in your own preview may differ slightly from what others see due to camera angle and lighting. The version other people see is usually more accurate because it is what your camera actually captures.