You can change your Teams background in three ways: blur it, replace it with a solid color, or upload a custom image

Microsoft Teams lets you control what appears behind you during video calls. The simplest option is to blur your background, which keeps your actual surroundings private without requiring any setup. You can also choose a solid color or upload your own image. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, or the web version of Teams, but the feature is available on all three.

Changing your background happens in your camera settings, not in your profile. You can adjust it before a call starts or during an active call. If you change it during a call, everyone in that meeting sees the new background when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • The background blur feature works on Windows, Mac, and web versions of Teams without needing to upload anything.
  • You can change your background before joining a call or at any point while a call is active.
  • Custom image uploads must be in JPG or PNG format and smaller than 5 MB.
  • If background effects don't appear as an option, your camera or device may not support the feature.

How to blur your background before a call

Open Microsoft Teams and look for an upcoming meeting in your calendar, or start a new meeting. Click the camera icon with a small arrow or settings icon next to it. A menu will appear with camera options.

Select "Blur my background" from the list. You'll see a preview of how the blur looks on your camera feed. Once you're satisfied, join the call. Your background will remain blurred for that entire meeting.

How to blur your background during an active call

If you're already in a Teams call and want to blur your background, look for the three dots (more options) in the top right of the call window. Click it and select "Show device settings" or "Background effects," depending on your Teams version.

Choose "Blur" from the options that appear. The blur takes effect when ready, and all other participants see the change right away. You can turn the blur off the same way by selecting "None" from the background options.

How to use a solid color or custom image as your background

Before or during a call, access the background settings the same way you would for blur. Instead of selecting "Blur," choose "Choose an image" or browse the gallery of preset backgrounds Teams provides. Solid colors like white, gray, and blue are usually available without uploading anything.

To upload your own image, click the plus sign or "Add new" button in the background menu. Select a JPG or PNG file from your computer that is smaller than 5 MB. Teams will add it to your background library, and you can use it in any future call. You can upload multiple images and switch between them as needed.

Why background effects might not work

Some devices don't support background blur or custom images. Older cameras, built-in laptop cameras, or certain USB cameras may lack the processing power needed. If you don't see a background effects option at all, your camera hardware may not be compatible.

You can still use a solid color background on almost any device. If blur specifically isn't available, try switching to a plain color instead. If neither works, your device may need a camera driver update, or you may need to use a different camera.

Privacy and security considerations for custom backgrounds

When you upload a custom background image, it stays on your device and in your Teams account. Teams does not share it with other participants or store it on their devices. The image file itself remains private to you.

Be cautious about what you upload. Avoid images that contain personal information, passwords, or sensitive documents. If you delete a background image from your library, it no longer appears as an option in future calls, but Teams may retain a copy in your account history for a limited time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can other people see my real background if I don't use blur or a custom image?

Yes. If you don't enable any background effect, everyone in the call sees whatever is actually behind you — your room, furniture, or anything else in the camera's view. Using blur or a custom image is the only way to hide your surroundings.

What image formats work for custom backgrounds?

Teams accepts JPG and PNG files only. The file must be smaller than 5 MB. If your image is in a different format like GIF, BMP, or TIFF, you'll need to convert it to JPG or PNG first using an image editor or online converter.

If I change my background during a call, do I have to change it back manually?

Yes. When you end the call and start a new one, Teams remembers your last background choice and uses it again. If you want a different background for the next call, you'll need to change it before joining or during the call itself.

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

No. Teams only supports static images in JPG or PNG format. Animated GIFs, videos, or other moving content will not work as backgrounds.

Does using a blurred background slow down my internet connection?

Blur and custom backgrounds use processing power on your device, not your internet bandwidth. On older computers or laptops, enabling blur might make your video slightly less smooth, but it won't affect your upload or read speed.