Adding a background in Teams takes 30 seconds and works on most devices

Open Teams and start or join a meeting. Before the meeting begins, or once you're already in one, click the three dots next to your camera icon at the bottom of the screen. Select Apply background effects. You'll see a panel with built-in backgrounds — choose one, and it applies immediately. If you're already in the meeting, the option sits in the same menu under Background settings.

Teams comes with a set of default backgrounds: blurred, soft focus, and several preset images like offices and nature scenes. You can also upload your own image file (JPG or PNG) to use as a background. The blur option works on any device, but custom images and some preset backgrounds require a processor that can handle the effect — older laptops or phones may not support them.

The background effect only shows to other people in the meeting. On your own screen, you'll still see yourself normally. If the background looks glitchy or your face keeps disappearing into it, try moving slightly or adjusting your lighting — the effect works better when there's clear space between you and the wall behind you.

Key Takeaways

  • Click the three dots next to your camera icon and choose Apply background effects to access the background menu before or during a meeting.
  • Teams includes built-in backgrounds like blur, soft focus, and preset images that work on most devices without extra setup.
  • You can upload your own image file (JPG or PNG) as a background, though this requires a device with enough processing power.
  • The background effect only shows to other meeting participants — you see yourself normally on your own screen.
  • If the background effect causes your face to blur or disappear, try adjusting your position or improving the lighting in your space.

Using blur instead of a background image

The blur option is the simplest choice and works on nearly every device. It softens everything behind you without replacing it with an image, so your actual background stays visible but out of focus. This is useful if you're in a messy room or an office you don't want to show clearly, but you still want people to see that you're in a real space.

Blur is also the fastest option — it requires less processing power than a full background image, so it won't slow down your device or cause lag during the meeting. If you're on an older laptop or a phone with limited memory, blur is usually your most reliable choice.

Uploading and using your own background image

To use a custom image, click Apply background effects, then look for a + icon or Add new button in the background panel. Select an image file from your computer (JPG or PNG format works). The image will appear in your background effects list and stay there for future meetings.

The image should be at least 1920 by 1080 pixels for best results, though Teams will resize smaller images automatically. If your custom background looks pixelated or stretched, the original file may be too small. Once you upload an image, it syncs across your devices if you're signed into the same Teams account.

Custom backgrounds work best when you have good lighting and clear space between you and the wall behind you. If the effect struggles to separate you from the background, try standing further forward or adjusting the light source in your room.

When background effects don't work or look bad

If the background effect isn't available, your device may not have the processing power to support it. Blur usually works on any device, but custom images and some preset backgrounds need a faster processor. Check your device's specs — Teams background effects typically require a processor from the last few years.

If the effect is on but your face keeps blurring into the background, the software is having trouble telling where you end and the background begins. Move slightly to the side, improve the lighting on your face, or wear clothing that contrasts with the background behind you. Solid-colored walls work better than busy patterns.

If you see a message that background effects aren't supported, you're on a device that can't handle them. Blur may still work — try that first. If blur doesn't work either, your device is too old or underpowered for any background effect.

Background effects on mobile devices

The Teams app on iPhone and Android supports background effects, but the feature works differently than on a computer. Open a meeting, tap the three dots at the bottom, and select Background effects. The same blur and preset options appear, and you can upload custom images the same way.

Mobile devices often have less processing power than laptops, so background effects may drain your battery faster or cause the app to run slower. If your phone gets hot or the meeting becomes laggy, turn off the background effect and use blur instead, or turn off the effect entirely.

Changing or removing your background during a meeting

You can change your background at any point during a meeting without leaving or restarting. Click the three dots next to your camera, select Background settings, and choose a different effect. The change takes effect immediately for everyone else in the meeting.

To remove the background effect entirely, go back to the same menu and select None or turn off the background effects toggle. Your camera will show your actual background again.

Background effects and meeting recordings

If someone records the meeting, your background effect appears in the recording the same way it appears to other participants. If you use a custom image as your background, that image will be visible in the recording. Keep this in mind if you're using a background that contains sensitive information or if you prefer not to have a specific image recorded.

If the meeting is being recorded and you want to change your background, do so before the recording starts if possible. You can change it during the recording, but the change will be visible in the final video file.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Teams does not support animated backgrounds or video files. You can only use static images in JPG or PNG format. If you want movement in your background, you'll need to use one of the preset animated backgrounds that Teams provides, though these are limited.

Why does my background effect make my face disappear?

The background detection software is confusing your clothing or face with the background behind you. Try wearing a color that contrasts with the wall, moving further from the wall, or improving the lighting on your face. If the problem continues, switch to blur instead of a custom image.

Do background effects work on Teams for web?

Yes, background effects work in Teams when you use it in a web browser, though the feature may not be available on older browsers. Use the latest version of Chrome, Edge, or Firefox for the best results. The process is the same: click the three dots next to your camera and select background effects.

Can I set a default background so it's always on?

Teams does not have a setting to automatically apply a background to every meeting. You'll need to turn it on each time you join or start a meeting. However, once you upload a custom image, it stays in your background effects list for quick access in future meetings.

What image size works best for a custom background?

Use an image that is 1920 by 1080 pixels or larger. Smaller images will be stretched and may look pixelated. If you're unsure about your image size, most image editing tools or online converters can resize it for you before you upload it to Teams.