Knowing how to add a virtual background to your Zoom display when you are online for a meeting or conference call will give you the option to personalize your screen, or just provide you with that extra bit of privacy.
As long as your device and Zoom app meet the necessary system requirements, you will be able to enable a virtual backdrop with the use of a green screen, blurred image, or even a video.
With this easy to follow guide, you will learn how to add your virtual background upon a personal account in Zoom, either before or during a meeting, as well as know how to check if your device supports the blurred background feature.
How to add background in Zoom
Photo by visuals on Unsplash
Adding a background to your Zoom video is simple and can be set up before joining your meeting, by accessing your profile and going into your ‘settings’ tab. Here you will be able to choose your desired background and select the ‘green screen’ option. Depending on the device you are using, you may not be able to use a virtual background without enabling the green screen.
It is important to make sure your Zoom account meets the standard system requirements to change your background. Certain specifications need to be met for the use of a virtual background on your device.
Some devices will not support a virtual background without a green screen.
What are the requirements for Zoom virtual background?
- The ‘blurred background’ option is only available to Windows and macOS desktops and iOS and Android mobile
- Using the ‘Green Screen’ setting requires a solid colour behind you
- If you are uploading an image it should be in the PNG or JPG/JPEG format
- A video background should be an MP4 or MOV file
- Windows 7,8 or 10
- macOS 10.3 or 10.9 for the green screen option
How to enable virtual background in Zoom
For personal use on desktop:
Step 1. Log into your Zoom application
Step 2. Click on the ‘Settings’ icon
Step 3. On the left-hand side, select ‘Background and Filters’
Step 4. Choose your desired virtual background or video filter
Step 5. If you want to add an image, there will be a (+) button to the right that you can press to ‘Add Image’
Note, If your device does not support a virtual background without a green screen, you will need to select ‘I have a green screen’
For personal use on mobile:
Step 1. Start your meeting
Step 2. Click on the ‘More’ three dots
Step 3. Select ‘Background and Filters’
You will now be able to choose one of Zooms default backgrounds or upload one of your images by pressing the (+) button.
In a specific Zoom group:
Step 1. Log into your Zoom account as an ‘Administrator’ (so you have permission to make edits)
Step 2. Click on ‘User Management’ followed by ‘Group Management’ in the ‘Navigation Menu’
Step 3. Find the specific group you want to change and click on it
Step 4. Select ‘Meeting’
Step 5. Now go into the ‘Virtual Background’ option and make sure it is turned on
Note, you can make this setting mandatory for all users in the group by selecting the ‘lock’ picture.
How to enable blur background in Zoom
How to enable blur background in Zoom
If your Zoom app and device supports the blur background feature, you can enable this setting either before your meeting starts or during the virtual call;
Before a meeting:
Step 1. Open Zoom
Step 2. Select your ‘Profile’ followed by ‘Settings’
Step 3. Click on ‘Background and Filters’
Step 4. Press ‘Blur’
Your video will now already be blurred out for when you join your virtual meeting.
During a meeting:
Step 1. Join your meeting
Step 2. At the bottom of your screen, select the ‘UP’ arrow (next to the ‘Start/Stop Video’ button)
Step 3. Click on ‘Blur My Background’
Note, the blurred background will be enabled for all meetings moving forward. You will need to turn it off if you decide you no longer want to have the feature switched on.
Why do I not have the blur option in Zoom?
If you do not have the blur option available in your ‘Background and Filters’ settings on Zoom, then your Zoom app on your desktop could be the incorrect version, or your device does not meet the minimum system requirements to use a virtual background without a green screen.
What are the requirements for the blurred background in Zoom?
For Desktop:
- Zoom version is 5.2.0 or newer
- Windows needs to be 7,8 or 10
- Desktop processor is Intel i3, i5, i7 i9 or AMD
(Did you know; Zoom was voted as the ‘best place to work’ in 2021.)
For iPhone:
- Zoom app is 5.6.6 or newer
- iPhone 8, 8+, X or newer
For Android:
- Android 8.0 or newer
- Zoom app is 5.6.6 or newer
- Minimum 3GB RAM
- Supported phone manufacturers are; Google, OnePlus, Oppo, Redmi, Samsung, Vivo, Xiaomi and Huawei
How to get blur background on Zoom
You can get the blur background feature enabled on your Zoom account by ensuring your app and desktop’s software is updated to the latest versions.
Solution 1. Update your device’s operating system
Check to see that your computer or mobile device has been updated to their latest operating system and that the new version is supported.
Solution 2. Update Zoom
Make sure your Zoom app has been updated to its latest version on your device.
You can check this by going:
Step 1. Open Zoom
Step 2. Click on your Profile
Step 3. On the drop-down menu, select ‘Check for updates’
Zoom will now check for an available update, and install it.
Tip, once it has been downloaded, restart your device and access your Zoom app again.
If you still don’t see the ‘Blur’ option available in the background and filters tab, then your device may not support this feature.
How to check if the blur feature is not available:
Step 1. Access the ‘Background and Filters’ tab
Step 2. Untick ‘I have a green screen’
Step 3. Go to the background options and try and highlight one
Step 4. If an error message pops up, this will confirm your device does not support the blur background feature
The error message you see will be ‘Your device does not support virtual backgrounds.’ This will confirm that you don’t have the blur option in Zoom.
How to enable blur background
Conclusion
Now that you know how to add a background in Zoom, we hope you were able to personalize your backdrop the way you want it to be, for when you need to join a meeting, or simply chat to a group of friends on a conference call.
Enabling the virtual background feature on your Zoom app is great for keeping your space private when communicating to a group of individuals, or just to create a fun backdrop for a relaxed setting.
If you are experiencing issues with your Zoom background features, we recommend you contact Zoom’s virtual assistant, or submit a web ticket online.
You can also give Zoom a call on +44 800 368 7314 (ext. 2) or +44 207 039 8961 (ext. 2).
