Where to find the background settings in Teams
Microsoft Teams lets you change your background during a video call through the camera preview menu. Before you join a meeting, select the camera icon with three dots next to it in the bottom right of the preview window. Choose Choose background effects from the menu that appears. If you're already in a call, look for the three dots in the top right of your video tile and select the same option.
The background menu opens a panel on the right side of your screen showing your preview and the available options. You can switch backgrounds at any time during a call, and only you control what appears behind you — other people see what you choose, but they cannot change it.
Key Takeaways
- Access background settings through the camera preview before joining a meeting, or through the three-dot menu on your video tile during a call.
- Teams offers built-in blur and image backgrounds, plus the option to upload your own image files in JPG, PNG, or BMP format.
- Blur works on any device, but custom image backgrounds require a processor with at least 4 CPU cores to avoid slowing down your call.
- You can change your background at any moment during a meeting without affecting what other participants see on their screens.
Using blur and built-in background images
The simplest option is Blur, which softens everything behind you without hiding it completely. This works on any computer or device and does not require extra processing power. Select Blur from the background panel, and Teams will immediately show you the effect in your preview.
Teams also includes a set of built-in background images — professional office settings, nature scenes, and abstract designs. Scroll through the options in the background panel and click the one you want. The preview updates instantly so you can see how it looks before you join the meeting or apply it during a call.
Uploading your own background image
To use a personal photo or custom image, select the plus sign at the top of the background panel. Choose an image file from your computer in JPG, PNG, or BMP format. The file size should be under 5 MB for best results. Teams will add your image to the list of available backgrounds, and you can use it in any future meeting.
Once you upload an image, it stays in your background library. You can add multiple custom images and switch between them whenever you want. If you no longer want to use a custom background, hover over it in the list and select the trash icon to remove it.
System requirements for custom backgrounds
Blur works on any device running Teams, but custom image backgrounds have processor requirements. Your computer needs at least 4 CPU cores to use custom backgrounds without affecting call quality. If your device has fewer cores, Teams will disable the custom background option, though blur will still be available.
If you try to use a custom background on an older or lower-powered device, you may notice your video becomes choppy or your audio drops. If this happens, switch back to blur or no background effect. You can always use custom backgrounds again when you upgrade to a device that meets the requirement.
Changing backgrounds during a meeting
You do not have to choose your background before the meeting starts. Once you are in a call, look at your own video tile in the meeting window. Click the three dots in the corner of your tile and select Choose background effects. The background panel opens on the right, and you can switch to a different background, blur, or no effect at any time.
Other participants will see your new background take effect within a second or two. You can change it as many times as you want during the call — there is no limit to how often you switch. This is useful if you need to move to a different location during a long meeting or if you want to show your actual background for part of the call.
Troubleshooting background problems
If the background option does not appear in your menu, check that you are using a recent version of Teams. Background effects are available in Teams for Windows, Mac, and web browsers, but mobile apps have limited or no background support. Update Teams through the Microsoft Store or the App Store if you are using an older version.
If a custom background looks blurry or distorted, the image file may be too small or low resolution. Try uploading a larger image file — at least 1920 by 1080 pixels works well. If your video becomes choppy when you use a custom background, your device may not have enough processing power. Switch to blur instead, which uses less CPU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can other people see my background if I do not choose one?
Yes. If you do not select a background effect, other participants see whatever is actually behind you in your camera's view. Choosing blur or an image background is the only way to hide or change what appears behind you.
What image formats does Teams accept for custom backgrounds?
Teams accepts JPG, PNG, and BMP files. The image should be under 5 MB in size. If you have an image in a different format like GIF or TIFF, you can convert it to PNG or JPG using free online tools or image editing software before uploading it to Teams.
Does using a custom background slow down my internet connection?
No, background effects use your computer's processor, not your internet bandwidth. However, if your device does not have enough CPU cores, processing the background effect can slow down your video quality or audio. Blur uses less processing power than custom images.
Can I use the same custom background in multiple meetings?
Yes. Once you upload a custom background image, it stays in your library and appears in every Teams meeting you join. You can use it as many times as you want without uploading it again.
What happens to my background if I switch devices?
Custom backgrounds are stored on each device separately. If you switch to a different computer or phone, your uploaded images will not be there. You will need to upload them again on the new device, but the built-in background images are available on all devices.