If you prefer to maintain your privacy by hiding the space behind you during Zoom conversations, it may be in your best interest to use Zoom’s new blur background feature.

This article explains how to blur your background with different operating systems. Since the feature is not currently available for mobile devices, we will walk you through the workaround to get a blurry background. In addition, our FAQ includes how to use virtual wallpapers to upload your images and videos for wallpapers.

Change zoom settings to blur background on Windows 10

To blur your background for your Zoom call in Windows 10:

  1. Start Zoom and log in to your account.
  2. Click the in the top right corner Settings gear icon option.

    Blur the background in Zoom 27

  3. In Settings, select Backgrounds & Filters.

    Blur the background in Zoom 28
  4. Then select the Bluryour background will immediately appear blurry.

    Blur the background in Zoom 29

Blur your background during your Zoom conversation in Windows 10:

  1. Locate the bar at the bottom of the meeting screen. You may need to move your mouse down to make it visible.

    Blur the background in Zoom 30

  2. Find the Stop Video an upward pointing chevron.

    Blur the background in Zoom 31

  3. Click on the arrow, then Video Settings > Backgrounds & Filters.

    Blur the background in Zoom 32
  4. Then select the Bluryour background will immediately appear blurry.

    Blur the background in Zoom 29

Change zoom settings to blur background with Mac

To blur your background for your Zoom call on a Mac, follow:

  1. Start Zoom and log in to your account.

    Blur the background in Zoom 34

  2. Click the in the top right corner Settings gear icon option.

    Blur the background in Zoom 35

  3. In Settings, select Backgrounds & Filters.

    Blur the background in Zoom 36

  4. Then select the Bluryour background will immediately appear blurry.

    Blur the background in Zoom 37

To blur your background during your Zoom call on a Mac:

  1. Locate the bar at the bottom of the meeting screen. You may need to use your mouse to make it visible.

    Blur the background in Zoom 30

  2. Find the Stop Video an upward pointing chevron.

    Blur the background in Zoom 39

  3. Click on the arrow, then Video Settings > Backgrounds & Filters.

    Blur the background in Zoom 40

  4. Then select the Blur option. Your background will instantly become blurred.

    Blur the background in Zoom 41

How to blur background in zoom on iPhone or Android device?

The background blur feature is now available for mobile devices, just follow these steps:

  1. Launch the Zoom app from your Android or iOS device.

    Blur the background in Zoom 42

  2. Make sure your video is turned on and then join or create a new meeting.

    Blur the background in Zoom 43

  3. Once the meeting has started, tap anywhere on the screen to reveal the controls.
  4. Tap the at the bottom right More.

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  5. Select Blur.

    Blur the background in Zoom 45

Background Zoom FAQ

Why does Zoom blur parts of me?

You may be blurry because your camera is out of focus. To completely avoid this problem, consider investing in a webcam with autofocus. They are reasonably priced and worth buying if you often make video calls. You can also manually refocus your camera; this is usually accomplished by twisting the ring around the lens.

In addition, make sure your camera lens is clean by dipping a silk or microfiber cloth in isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe it off.

What resolution should my zoom background be to blur?

Zoom’s background blur feature works by blurring everything in the room you’re in during a call, except it blurs you out. If you want to use an image for your background, Zoom recommends a minimum resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.

Why is the Background Blur option not showing?

If you have the Blur try the following in Zoom:

Ensure Your Computer Supports the Latest Update

The blur feature is part of Zoom’s latest Client version; therefore, you must have downloaded at least Client version 5.7.5 on your PC or Mac. To check if you need an update:

1. Start Zoom and log in to your account.

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2. Click on your profile picture at the top right.

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3. Then scroll down and select Check for Updates.

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If you have the latest version installed and the blur option is not available, try turning off your computer and turning it back on after about five minutes.

Ensure Your Computer Meets the Blur Background Requirements

Using the blur feature requires different supported processors for Windows and macOS. For more information about the requirements for virtual wallpapers, check out the Zoom-helpcentrum.

An easy way to find out if your computer’s processor is strong enough:

1. Start Zoom and log in to your account.

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2. Click on your profile picture at the top right.

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3. Select Settings > Backgrounds & Filters.

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4. Bottom Virtual Backgrounds, uncheck I have a green screen.

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5. Hover over your virtual wallpaper queue. If you get an error message that you need a green screen to support virtual backgrounds, this confirms that your computer does not support blurry backgrounds.

Remark: Blurred wallpapers are currently not available on Android and iOS mobile devices.

If you still don’t see the background blur feature, you can contact support at the Zoom-helpcentrum.

Shut down

Now that you know how to virtualize your Zoom wallpapers with a blur effect, images or video; did you switch between different backgrounds and effects, or did you pick a background and stick to it? Let us know in the comments below.

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Last Update: September 22, 2022