How to blur background in Teams in 2024

BY
Dima Eremin
in
Microsoft Teams
August 5, 2024

Learn how to blur your background in Teams ✅ Enhance your video calls with a professional look ▶️ Follow simple steps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

How to blur background in Teams in 2024
How to blur background in Teams in 2024

Blurring your background in Microsoft Teams can instantly elevate your video call experience. Whether you're working from home or in a busy office, this simple trick can enhance your professionalism and privacy.

Our guide offers clear, step-by-step instructions for blurring your background across different devices. By following these easy steps, you'll master the art of virtual background management and leave a lasting impression on users and your audience.

Reasons to Blur Your Microsoft Teams Background

Blurring your background in Microsoft Teams has some great benefits that can make your virtual meetings smoother and more professional:

  • Professional look: It helps you look more professional by hiding any clutter or distractions behind you, so you don’t have to worry about tidying up every time.
  • Privacy protection: It keeps your personal space private, so no one sees any sensitive or personal items in your home.
  • Better focus: It directs attention to you, not your background, making sure people are focused on what you’re saying.
  • Convenience: No need to stress about finding the perfect spot for your calls. Just blur the background and you’re good to go.
  • Consistency: It gives a consistent look to your meetings, which is handy if you have regular business calls or presentations.

How To Blur Your Team Background Before The Meeting

You can now blur your screen as a Teams web client, an Android user or even as an iOS user before your meeting starts.

How to blur your background in Teams on iOS

  1. Join your Teams meeting: Open the Microsoft Teams app on your iPhone or iPad and join your meeting.
  2. Access background effects: Tap the three dots at the bottom of the screen to see more options for your Teams video.
  3. Apply the blur: Select "Show background effects" and choose the "Blur" option. Tap "Done" to confirm.

How to blur your background in Teams on Windows

        1. Join your Teams meeting: Open Microsoft Teams on your Windows PC and click the team meeting link.

How to join Teams meeting


        2. Access background options:
Once in the meeting, look for the "Background filters" option or "Background effects" option. This is usually found near the top of the screen with the custom backgrounds.

How to change background options in Teams on Windows


        3. Apply the blur:
Select the "Blur" option from the available background choices. Your background will be instantly blurred.

How to blur my background in Teams on Windows before the meeting

How to blur your background in Teams on Android

  1. Join your Teams meeting: Open the Microsoft Teams app on your Android device and join your team meeting link.
  2. Access background effects: Tap the three dots to reveal more options. Then, select "Show background effects."
  3. Blur background: Choose "Blur" from the available background options. Tap "Done" for a more professional environment.

How to blur your background in Teams on Mac

  1. Join your Teams meeting: Open the Microsoft Teams app on your Mac and select the meeting you want to join.
  2. Access background options: Click the three dots in the meeting controls to see more options. Then, select "Show background filters."
  3. Apply the blur: Choose "Blur" from the available Teams background options and video effects.

How to Blur Your Teams Background Mid-Meeting

You can also blur your background during a Teams meeting or call. Follow the steps provided for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android to learn how.

How to blur your background in Teams on iOS

  1. Open Microsoft Teams: Tap the Teams app on your iPhone to open it.
  2. Start your video call. Begin the video chat you want to participate in.
  3. Apply the blur: Tap the three dots at the bottom of the screen. Select "Blur" from the background effects menu options.

How to blur your background in Teams on Windows

        1. Join your Teams meeting or call. Once in the meeting, locate the toolbar at the top of your screen.

How to blur Teams background on Windows mid-meeting


        2. Open background options.
Click the three dots (More actions) in the toolbar to see additional options.

        3. Apply the blur: Select "Apply effects" from the menu. Choose the "Blur" option under Background settings and click "Apply."

How to blur background in Teams on Windows mid-meeting


        4. Preview or apply:
Select "Preview" to see how the blur looks or "Apply" to immediately activate it, and "stop preview" to end it.

How to preview the blur effect in Teams on Windows mid-meeting

How to blur your background in Teams on Android

  1. Open Microsoft Teams: Launch the Teams app on your Android device.
  2. Join the video call: Enter the video call you want to participate in.
  3. Apply the blur: Tap the three dots at the bottom of the screen and select "Blur my background" from the Teams background options.

How to blur your background in Teams on Mac

  1. Join your Teams call: Start or join a video call in Microsoft Teams.
  2. Access background options: Locate the toolbar at the bottom of the screen and click the three dots (More actions). Select "Show background effects."
  3. Apply the blur: Choose the "Blur" option from the meeting controls.
  4. Confirm: Click "Apply" to activate the background blur.

Conclusion

Blurring your background in Microsoft Teams is a valuable tool for enhancing privacy and professionalism during a video meeting. While the built-in background blur tool and feature offer a basic level of customization, it may not always meet your specific needs.

For meeting management and exceptional recording capabilities, Bluedot is the ideal solution. Beyond transcription, Bluedot excels at creating and capturing screen-sharing content, a crucial aspect often overlooked by other tools. With features like auto-generated emails, meeting templates, and secure cloud storage, Bluedot streamlines your workflow and ensures that important meeting details are preserved for future reference.

By combining background blur functionality with the advanced features of Bluedot, you can create a highly productive and efficient video conferencing experience.

Install free extension

FAQ

What are the limitations of background blur in Teams?

While the blurred background feature in Teams is handy, it's not without its limitations. The blur effect might not always produce the desired result, especially in environments with complex or busy backgrounds. For instance, objects in the foreground or rapid movements can interfere with the blurring process of other background effects.

Why can’t I blur my background in Teams?

If you're unable to find the background blur option in Microsoft Teams, it's likely due to limitations with your device or software. Your mobile device or computer's hardware might not support the necessary processing power, or your software might require an update on the Microsoft Teams mobile app.

Can I change to custom backgrounds in Teams?

Yes, you can change your background in Teams by selecting from various background effects. Options include blurring your background to minimize distractions, choosing background features from a range of pre-selected images, or uploading your own custom images. This flexibility allows you to tailor your background to suit different meeting contexts and personal preferences.

In the next episode:
How to send a Teams Meeting Invite
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