Change your Teams background in three steps

You can change your background in Microsoft Teams during a video call or before one starts. Open the camera settings, select a background option, and apply it. The process takes less than a minute and works the same way on Windows, Mac, and the web version of Teams.

Teams gives you three types of backgrounds to choose from: blur (which softens everything behind you), preset images that come with Teams, or your own photos. You can switch between them anytime during a call, and your choice stays in effect until you change it again.

Key Takeaways

  • Access background settings through the camera icon in the meeting controls or through Settings before you join a call.
  • Blur is the fastest option and works on any device, while preset images and custom photos require more processing power.
  • You can upload your own image as a background, but Teams accepts only JPG, PNG, and BMP files under 5 MB.
  • If your background option is grayed out, your device may not have enough processing power or your organization may have disabled the feature.

Change your background during an active call

Once you are in a Teams meeting, look at the bottom of your screen for the meeting controls. You will see icons for your microphone, camera, and other options. Click the three dots (more actions) to reveal additional controls.

Select Show background effects or Background effects depending on your Teams version. A panel will open on the right side showing blur, preset images, and any custom backgrounds you have uploaded. Click the one you want to use, and it takes effect immediately.

If you do not see this option, your camera may be off. Turn your camera on first, then look for the background controls again. On mobile devices, the process is similar: tap the three dots during a call and look for background or blur options.

Set a background before you join a meeting

You can also change your background settings before you enter a call. Open Teams and click your profile picture in the top right corner. Select Settings, then choose Devices from the left menu.

Look for Camera settings and click Background effects. You will see the same options as during a call: blur, preset images, and custom uploads. Select your preferred background and close the settings. This background will be active the next time you turn on your camera in a meeting.

Changing your background in Settings is useful if you want to set it once and forget it, rather than adjusting it every time you join a call. You can still change it on the fly during any meeting if you need to.

Upload your own image as a background

Teams comes with built-in background images, but you can add your own photos. In the background effects panel (either during a call or in Settings), look for a plus sign or Upload button. Click it to browse your computer for an image file.

Teams accepts JPG, PNG, and BMP files. Your image must be smaller than 5 MB and at least 360 pixels wide. If your file is too large, resize it using any photo editor or online tool before uploading. Once uploaded, your custom background appears in the list and stays there until you remove it.

You can upload multiple custom backgrounds and switch between them. To delete a custom background, right-click it in the background effects panel and select remove or delete, depending on your Teams version.

Troubleshoot when background options are grayed out

Sometimes the background effects option appears but is grayed out or disabled. This usually means one of three things: your camera is not turned on, your device does not have enough processing power, or your organization has disabled the feature.

First, make sure your camera is on. If it is, try closing other programs to free up memory and processing power, then try again. Background effects require your computer to process video in real time, and older or lower-end devices sometimes struggle with this.

If background options remain disabled after you close other programs, your organization may have turned off the feature for security or performance reasons. Contact your IT department or Teams administrator to ask if background effects can be turned on for your account.

Blur versus preset images versus custom photos

Blur softens everything behind you without replacing it. It is the lightest option for your device and works on almost any computer. Blur does not hide your background completely, but it makes it unreadable and less distracting.

Preset images are photos that come built into Teams. They range from professional office settings to abstract designs. These use more processing power than blur but less than custom photos, and they completely replace your background.

Custom photos give you the most control but require the most processing power. If your device is older or you are on a slow internet connection, custom backgrounds may cause your video to lag or freeze. If that happens, switch back to blur or a preset image.

Background effects on Teams mobile apps

The Teams app on iPhone and Android works differently than the desktop version. Not all devices support background effects, and the feature depends on your phone's camera and processing power.

To access background settings on mobile, join a meeting and tap the three dots at the bottom. Look for Blur my background or Background effects. Tap it to turn blur on or off. Most mobile versions support blur but not custom images, though this varies by device and Teams version.

If you do not see background options on your phone, your device may not support the feature. Older phones and some budget models lack the processing power needed for real-time background effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can other people see my background if I do not turn on my camera?

No. Your background only appears when your camera is on and you are visible to other meeting participants. If your camera is off, no one sees your background or your video.

Will my background setting stay the same for every meeting?

Yes. Once you choose a background in Settings, it stays active for all future meetings until you change it. You can still switch backgrounds during individual calls without affecting your default setting.

What happens if my custom background image is too large?

Teams will not let you upload an image larger than 5 MB. Use a free online image resizer or your computer's built-in photo editor to make the file smaller, then try uploading again. Most photos taken on phones are already small enough.

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

No. Teams only accepts static image files: JPG, PNG, and BMP. Videos and animated GIFs are not supported as backgrounds.

Why does my video freeze or lag when I use a custom background?

Custom backgrounds require your computer to process video in real time, which uses a lot of processing power. If your device is older or you have many other programs open, your video may lag. Close unnecessary programs or switch to blur, which uses less power.