How to Blur or Change Your Background in Teams Meetings

Microsoft Teams lets you blur your background or replace it with an image to minimize distractions and keep meetings professional. Follow this guide to learn how to change your background before or during a meeting.

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📌 Step 1: Change Your Background Before a Meeting

You can select your background before joining a Teams meeting.

Windows & Mac

1. Open Microsoft Teams and click Calendar 📅.
2. Click your scheduled meeting and select Join.
3. On the Join Meeting screen, click Background Filters (🎭 icon).
4. Choose one of the following options:
   • Blur – Softens your background while keeping you in focus.
   • Preset Image – Select a built-in Teams background.
   • Upload Your Own – Click Add New to use a custom image.
5. Click Join Now to enter the meeting with your new background.

✅ Your background will stay the same for future meetings until changed!

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📌 Step 2: Change Your Background During a Meeting

Windows & Mac

1. Click More Actions (…) on the meeting toolbar.
2. Select Apply Background Effects.
3. Choose Blur or select a background image.
4. Click Preview to check how it looks.
5. Click Apply to set your background.

✅ Your background will change instantly!

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📌 Step 3: Change Your Background on Mobile (iPhone & Android)

1. Join a Teams meeting on your phone.
2. Tap More Options (…) > Background Effects.
3. Choose Blur or select a background image.
4. Tap Apply to save changes.

✅ Now you can hide distractions even on mobile!

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📌 Step 4: Use a Custom Background Image

You can upload a personal or company-branded image as your background.

How to Upload a Custom Background

1. Open Background Settings before or during a meeting.
2. Click Add New at the top.
3. Select an image from your computer.
4. Click Apply to set the new background.

✅ Your custom background will be available for future meetings!

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📌 Step 5: Remove Your Background Effect

If you want to go back to a normal background:

1. Open Background Settings.
2. Select None (default option).
3. Click Apply.

✅ Your real background will now be visible again.

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💡 Best Practices for Teams Backgrounds

✔ Use Blur when in an untidy or distracting space.
✔ Choose a professional image if using a custom background.
✔ Avoid low-light environments for best results.
✔ Test your background before joining a meeting.