Microsoft Team, like Zoom, allows you to make video calls between devices and hold virtual meetings. The app is especially useful for remote teams holding meetings when colleagues are across different locations.
Background effects in Microsoft Team allows you to eliminate distractions about what is happening around you during a video call and present a professional image. Plus, it helps others in the meeting focus on what you’re talking about, not a foreign object behind your shoulder.
Whether you want an office environment, a tastefully decorated room, or a goofy backdrop, we’ll show you how to change the background in Teams.
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How to change the background on a computer or mobile device
You can change the background image in a Teams meeting before joining or during the meeting. Teams allows you to blur, choose a ready-made image like a tranquil park, or upload a custom image like your company logo as the background image. You should be aware that changing your wallpaper may not hide sensitive information like your name or phone number from others during a call or meeting.
How to change the background on the computer
If you have a Windows PC or Mac, use the steps below to change the background on your computer.
How to change the background before the meeting starts
You can change the background in Teams before the meeting starts to avoid interruptions.
- Option Background filter right below the video image in the same window while choosing your audio and video settings.
- You will see background option on the right side of the screen.
- Option Vague to subtly hide everything around you.
- You can also choose a pre-made image from the images provided.
- Option Add new and then select the image (JPG, PNG or BMP) you want to upload from your computer to upload a custom image of your choice.
How to change the background in a group during a meeting
Follow the steps below to change the background if you’re already in the meeting.
- Option More action from the meeting controls.
- Option Apply background effect.
- Option Vague or choose one ready-made images to replace your background.
- Option Add new and upload a custom PNG, JPG, or BMP image file from your computer.
Note: The new background you choose will apply in all your calls and meetings until you turn it off or change it back.
How to turn off background effects in groups
Follow the steps below if you want to disable background effects in Teams.
- Choose No background icon (circle within rectangle)
- Option Preview to see how your background looks without effects. If satisfied, choose Application.
Note: If you are a Linux user or use Teams through a virtual screen infrastructure, you won’t be able to use the background feature.
Change the background in Teams on an Android or iOS device
Here’s how to change the wallpaper from your Android device or iPhone.
How to change the background before the meeting starts
Here’s how to do it on your mobile device.
- Clap Background effects at the top of the screen, while setting your audio and video preferences.
- Background options will appear directly below your photo.
- Clap Vague to subtly hide things behind your back.
- You can also choose one of the available images.
- Clap add (+) to upload a custom PG, PNG or BMP image file from your device.
- Clap Accomplished at the top to apply the background to your meeting.
How to change the background in a meeting
Here’s how you can change the background image during a meeting or call.
- Clap Another choice from the call or meeting controls.
- Clap Background effects and choose a background or upload a custom image to make your background.
To turn off background effects, just tap No background icon (circle within rectangle) to remove virtual background.
Hide your messages in the meeting
When making a video call or meeting, you want to focus on the task at hand without worrying about whether other participants can see the mess behind you. With the background effects feature in Teams, you can add some professionalism or a bit of fun to your video calls.
