Changing your Zoom background

other Zoom resources …

Click here to see ALL our other ZOOM HELP pages

SUBSCRIBE TO
regular tips and tricks

ONLINE SESSIONS
on using Zoom

TECH SUPPORT
for large events

Changing your Zoom background

Most, but not all, devices (computers, tablets, phones) will allow you to do this

After you select a background it will be used for all your future meetings.

To turn backgrounds off, open the virtual background options and choose “None”.

How to change background on a phone or iPhone

Not all phones allow you to do this.

Open Zoom on your phone
While in a meeting … or start your own: click “New Meeting” and then “Start a Meeting”
Click “… More”
Tap “Background and Effects”
Tap the background you would like to apply or tap + to upload a new image. The background will be automatically applied.

How to change background on your computer

Open Zoom on your computer
Start a new meeting – click “New Meeting” (OR you can do this while in any meeting)
Click the up arrow to the right of the “Video” button and “Choose Virtual Background…”

You’ll see all your virtual backgrounds (including “None” and, for some of you, “Blur”)

To add a new background, click on the ‘+’ and find an image you’d like to use or create one yourself (see below)

Problems or using a phone?

If you have any problems or want to change your background on a phone click here for Zoom’s full instructions

Create your own background

If you don’t have a background set up yet, create one
- Use a painting package or download an image from the internet
- Create it to match your camera proportions e.g. if your camera is 16:9, the following proportions would work: 1280 by 720 pixels or 1920 by 1080 pixels.
- Save it somewhere on your computer as JPG or PNG

Extra Notes

Green screens

Do not click “I have a green screen” unless you really do have one – it won’t work.

Virtual Background without a green screen provides the same effect as when using a green screen, only with less sharpness and definition around your face, head, ears, and hair. This is because without a solid, contrasting color behind you, the system is less likely to accurately distinguish you in the foreground from the background.

TIP: Make sure not only your face is illuminated, but also some of your background as well, as the contrast can help distinguish you from the background.

Mirror my video

If you have “Mirror my video” turned on it will look wrong. Don’t worry, the “Mirror my video” feature only shows your mirror image to you – not to anyone else. Everyone else sees you the “normal” way round 🙂