These days, many people will need to use a Zoom background while working remotely or from home. Being able to change your Zoom background can help hide a mess behind you, keep your location safe, and even shake up your area just for fun! Here’s how to modify your Zoom background, no green screen necessary.

Before You Change Your Zoom Background

There are a few requirements that we want to mention before you try to change your Zoom background.

First, before employing a virtual background, you’ll need to confirm that your system satisfies the prerequisites that Zoom lists for this feature.

Next, if you want to create a custom Zoom background, that’s an option! Just keep in mind that the photo needs to be a 16:9 aspect ratio and 1920×1080 pixels. You can submit GIF, JPG/JPEG, and PNG images, but there is a 5 MB maximum image file size limit. You can’t use translucent photos because they will appear white when using them as a PNG background.

Additionally, be aware that people on your calls can detect gaps in your background if you move around a lot while using a virtual background. So try to keep as still as possible when you can.

How to Change Your Zoom Background

Now that you know the specifics behind Zoom backgrounds, let’s talk about how to enable the feature and change your own background easily.

Step 1: Enable Virtual Background Feature

First, before you can change your Zoom background, you’ll want to make sure that the feature is enabled in your Zoom account. To do this, you’ll log in, go to settings, and scroll down until you see the virtual background option.

If the toggle is showing blue, it’s enabled. If not, you can turn it on to enable it. Then you’ll scroll all the way down and click the blue ‘save’ button.

Step 2: Open Your Zoom App

Now that you’ve enabled Zoom backgrounds, you’ll open the app on your desktop. When you do this, you’ll see an option to click settings in the right-hand section under your profile photo. Once you click that, you’ll be led to the Settings pop-up.

Step 3: Navigate to Background & Effects

Once you’ve reached the settings pop-up, you’ll click on the Background & Effects option in the panel on the left.

Step 4: Choose Your Background

At this point, you’re ready to choose your new background! You can click on one of the backgrounds that are already available, or click the + button to add your own custom creation. This will automatically change your background and your video feed.

While many backgrounds will allow you to use your virtual background without a green screen, white backgrounds (like my office) won’t work without something bright (like a green or blue sheet). This is why I had to click “I have a green screen” and use my hand to showcase what the background would look like. If you have a white background, you’ll just look like a floating head! Just something to keep in mind when using virtual backgrounds.

Another way around this — in a non-professional setting — is to set up an avatar. The avatar will mimic your movements but won’t need a green screen to appear “normal”. You can choose an avatar by clicking ‘Avatars’ next to ‘Virtual Backgrounds’ and ‘Video Filters’.

Step 5: Exit the Menu

After you’ve chosen your background, you can exit the menu and it will apply automatically to your next Zoom meeting. If you want to change your background at any time or go back to the normal background, you’ll need to start the steps over.

Can You Change Your Zoom background in the Android and iOS mobile apps?

Yes! You’ll follow the same steps that you do while on a desktop, but instead of clicking the settings button in your app, you’ll click the ‘more’ button. From there, you can follow steps 3-5 and easily set up a virtual background.

How To Change Your Zoom Background Wrap Up

It’s simpler than ever to look professional and put together while in a Zoom meeting, and all it takes is the click of a button to change your background. And the best part is that you can do this from your desktop, laptop, and even your phone, so you can be ready for any meeting at a moment’s notice.

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