Where to find the background settings in Teams

You can add a background to your video in Microsoft Teams through the camera preview before you join a call. Open Teams, go to your profile picture in the top right corner, and select Settings. Then choose Devices from the left menu, and you'll see a Camera section with a preview of what your camera sees. Below the preview, click Background effects — this is where you control what appears behind you during video calls.

The background settings are the same whether you're using Teams on Windows, Mac, or the web version. If you're on a phone or tablet, the process is slightly different — you'll find background options in the call settings once you're already in a meeting, rather than beforehand.

Teams gives you three choices: blur your background, use a built-in image, or upload your own picture. Each one works differently and has different requirements for your device.

Key Takeaways

  • Background effects are found in Settings > Devices > Camera, in the preview section below your video feed.
  • Blur works on any device, but custom images and uploaded photos require more processing power and may not work on older computers.
  • Built-in backgrounds are ready to use when ready, while custom images must be in JPG or PNG format and smaller than 5 MB.
  • You can change your background during a call by clicking the three dots next to your video preview and selecting Background effects again.

Using blur to hide your background

Blur is the simplest option and works on almost any device. When you select blur, Teams softens everything behind you so people on the call can see you clearly but can't make out details of your room. This is useful if you're calling from a messy space, a shared room, or somewhere you'd rather keep private.

To turn on blur, go to Background effects and select the blur icon — it usually looks like a soft-focus circle. You'll see the effect on your preview when ready. Blur uses less processing power than custom backgrounds, so it's the fastest option if your computer is older or running other programs.

The downside is that blur can sometimes make the edges around your head look slightly fuzzy or unnatural, especially if you're moving around. If that bothers you, a solid background image usually looks cleaner.

Choosing from Teams' built-in backgrounds

Microsoft includes a library of preset backgrounds you can use without uploading anything. These range from professional office settings to abstract designs and scenic images. To pick one, open Background effects, scroll through the thumbnails, and click the image you want. Your preview updates when ready so you can see how it looks.

Built-in backgrounds are ready to use and don't require any setup. They work on most devices, though very old computers may struggle if you're also running other programs. The backgrounds are designed to look professional, so they're a good choice if you're on a work call and want to appear in a polished setting.

Keep in mind that built-in backgrounds can sometimes look artificial, especially if the lighting in your room doesn't match the image. If you move around a lot during calls, the background may shift slightly or show edges. If this happens, blur or a custom image often works better.

Uploading your own background image

You can upload a photo or image file to use as your background. This is useful if you want to use your company logo, a branded image, or a personal photo. To upload, open Background effects and look for an Add new or Upload button — the exact label depends on your Teams version. Click it, navigate to the image file on your computer, and select it.

Your image must be in JPG or PNG format and smaller than 5 MB. Most photos from a phone or camera meet these requirements. If your image is too large, you can resize it using any photo editor or even Windows Photos (right-click the image, select Open with, choose Photos, then use the crop tool).

Once uploaded, the image appears in your background effects list and you can use it on any call. If you want to remove it later, right-click the thumbnail and select delete. You can upload multiple images and switch between them depending on the call.

Changing your background during a call

You don't have to decide on a background before you join. Once you're in a meeting, you can change it at any time. Look for your video preview in the bottom left corner of the call window. Click the three dots next to your name or video feed, and select Background effects from the menu that appears. The same blur, built-in, and custom options are available.

Changing backgrounds mid-call takes a few seconds to process, so there may be a brief moment where your video pauses while Teams applies the new effect. If you're presenting or speaking, it's usually better to set your background before you start talking, so the change doesn't distract people.

Troubleshooting when backgrounds won't work

If background effects are grayed out or not available, your device may not have enough processing power. Very old computers, some budget laptops, and some tablets don't support custom backgrounds — blur may still work, but built-in images and uploads won't. Check your device's system requirements on Microsoft's website if you're unsure.

If a background looks blurry, pixelated, or has strange edges around your head, try these steps: first, make sure you have good lighting in front of you so Teams can see you clearly. Second, sit still for a moment after you select the background — it takes a few seconds to process. Third, if you uploaded a custom image, try a different one to see if the problem is the image itself or your device.

If Teams keeps crashing when you use backgrounds, update Teams to the latest version. Go to your profile picture, select Check for updates, and let it install. If it still crashes, try using blur instead of a custom background, which uses less processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a video or GIF as a background instead of a still image?

No, Teams only accepts static image files in JPG or PNG format. You can't use videos, GIFs, or animated images as backgrounds. If you want movement, blur is your only option.

Will people see my background change if I switch it during a call?

Yes, they will see the transition. There's usually a 2 to 3 second pause while Teams processes the new background, and then it appears. It's noticeable, so it's better to set your background before you start speaking.

What size should my custom background image be?

Teams accepts images up to 5 MB. For best results, use an image that's at least 1920 by 1080 pixels — this matches most monitor sizes and won't look stretched or blurry. If your image is smaller, it may appear pixelated.

Can I use the same background on my phone as on my computer?

Phone and tablet versions of Teams have separate background settings, so you'd need to upload the image again on your mobile device. The process is similar — open a call, tap the three dots, and select Background effects.

Does using a background slow down my internet connection?

No, backgrounds are processed on your device, not sent over the internet. They use your computer's processing power, not your bandwidth, so they won't make your connection slower. However, they may make your device work harder if it's already running other programs.