How to Blur Your Background in Zoom

We will also look at some of the cases were blurring the background is not a good idea. Before the popularity of blurring backdrops, Zoom provided customers with another method to hide a cluttered environment or customize their conversations.

Users may utilize the ‘virtual backdrops’ option to apply their picture or video as a background. Depending on the context, the image may be an office, a living room, a beach, or even an official background from iconic movies and TV series like Marvel, Harry Potter, Batman, and others.

If you don’t want to use a virtual background, you may instead blur the background. Everything in the backdrop will be blurred, leaving only your picture on the call apparent. This article will tell you how to blur your background in Zoom.

Table of Contents

Why do we need to blur the background?

Let’s assume you have a Zoom meeting scheduled, but your usual work-from-home location is taken, or worse, wreckage, and you don’t have time to clean it up. Consider another scenario: your virtual background doesn’t meet your demands or is simply not available at the moment, but you still want to keep some privacy in your surroundings.

Don’t worry; Zoom has a feature that allows you to blur the background and hide the space behind you. This easy toggleable option, already accessible in Zoom, may keep your place private or leave dirty rooms indefinitely fuzzy.

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Also read: How to use Zoom: 10 tips and tricks for better video meetings

How to blur your background in Zoom with Desktop, Laptop, or MacBook?

First, we will see how you can blur the background before a meeting. Then, you can alter your background settings if you haven’t started a call yet.

Step 1: Sign in to the Zoom client on your PC or Mac.

Step 2: In the upper right corner, behind your profile photo, click the Zoom Settings icon.

Step 3: In the sidebar, select ‘Background & Filters.’

Step 4: You’ll notice Virtual Backgrounds and Video Filters as possibilities. Under ‘Virtual Backgrounds,’ choose ‘Blur.’

Make Zoom calls as usual, and the background of your live video will be automatically blurred. The blur option will be turned on for all future meetings. Follow the instructions above. Choose ‘None’ in step 4.

Now, we will see how you can blur your background in zoom during a meeting.

Step 1: Find Stop Video among the options in the bar below the live video and click the arrow next to it.

Step 2: You’ll see a little list emerge. Choose a virtual background by clicking the ‘Choose Virtual Background’ button.

Step 3: Go to the ‘Virtual Backgrounds’ tab and select ‘Blur.’ If you wish to, you may also choose a virtual background from this page.

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How to blur your background in Zoom with Android or iOS?

On both Android and iOS, the steps for blurring your backdrop for Zoom meetings are the same.

Step 1: Launch the Zoom app on your Android or iOS smartphone.

Step 2: Tap the ‘New Meeting’ or ‘Join’ icon to start or join a new meeting.

Step 3: Tap anywhere on the screen during the meeting to view the controls that show below the video.

Step 4: Tap the three-dot icon above ‘More.’

Step 5: You’ll see a little list emerge. If you’re an Android user, choose ‘Virtual Background.’ Next, choose the ‘Background and Filters’ option on your iOS device.

Step 6: You’ll find a few alternatives below your camera video. To blur the backdrop, tap ‘Blur.’

You may now return to your meeting with a blurred background.

Also read: What are video watermarks? Why add watermarks to your content?

Essentials for working with a blurred background

Users should verify if they are running a compatible program version if the blur background option isn’t working. The Zoom desktop client (Windows or Mac) must be version 5.5.0 or above, and the Zoom mobile app (Android or iOS) must be version 5.6.6 or higher to use this option. If you’re using an earlier version of Zoom, just upgrade it and try again. Users must verify that their devices match the minimal system requirements and utilize an updated app.

Unable to see the background blur option?

Try these ways if you don’t see the ‘Blur’ choice on Windows/Mac, the ‘Virtual Background’ option on Android, or the ‘Background and Filters’ option on iOS after following the preceding instructions:

How to check whether my device supports the Zoom Background Blur feature?

The option is not accessible on all devices since a simulated or blurred background requires more processing power. Visit the Zoom virtual backdrop system requirements page to see whether your device is supported.

When you select your current operating system from the drop-down menu, the system requirements for that OS will appear in the list. It should be noted that the system requirements for employing a virtual and blurred background are the same.

This is a quicker approach to test if your smartphone supports blur background:

Step 1: Log in to the Zoom client.

Step 2: Click the Zoom Settings icon in the upper right corner.

Step 3: In the sidebar, select ‘Background & Filters.’

Step 4: At the bottom, uncheck the box that says “I have a green screen.” Leave it alone if it’s already unchecked.

Step 5: Hover over any picture in the ‘Virtual Backgrounds’ tab with your mouse pointer. If it reads ‘Your device does not support Virtual Backgrounds’ or ‘You need a green screen to support Virtual Backgrounds,’ your device isn’t capable of blurring your backdrop since it doesn’t support the feature.

If your device doesn’t meet the minimum criteria, you may still use Zoom without a virtual or blurred background. In addition, you can attempt physical tactics such as sitting in a corner or standing close to a wall to obscure your backdrop.

Also read: How to create an eLearning website in 4 simple steps – step-by-step guide

My system supports blur with Zoom, but I cannot blur the background.

Your Zoom desktop application is probably outdated if you don’t see the ‘Blur’ option even though your device matches the system requirements, and you may choose virtual backdrops without a green screen. So look at your Zoom app and see whether it’s time to update it.

If you are using Windows or Mac, then follow these steps:

Step 1: Log into Zoom.

Step 2: Select your profile image from the upper right corner of the app.

Step 3: Select ‘Check for Updates from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: It will automatically scan for updates and download and install them for you.

Step 5: When it’s finished, restart Zoom and blur your backdrop using the above procedures.

If you have an Android or iOS device, then follow these steps:

Step 1: If you haven’t done so already, open the Zoom app on your device and sign in.

Step 2: In the lower right corner of the screen, tap ‘Settings.’

Step 3: On the list, tap ‘About.’

Step 4: Finally, hit ‘Version’ to check for updates on your mobile app.

You may also directly upgrade your Zoom app from Google Play or the App Store. After updating, adjust the background blur. For some folks, this solution helped. Sign out and then back into your Zoom app. Check the backdrop.

Connect with Zoom Support if your device supports virtual backdrops, you’ve updated the app, and you still don’t see the option to blur your background in Zoom.

When not to blue your background in zoom?

Don’t blur your backdrop unless anything questionable is going on behind you. By keeping your backdrop visible, you can get to know your distant employees better by keeping your backdrop visible. In the background, you could notice their partner, child, or dog walking, or they might be able to view yours. You could see a painting or an antique they have and inquire about where they obtained it before purchasing the same for your own home. Or you might notice the sun shining where they are and feel special.

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