Changing your virtual background image

Virtual background with a green screen provides the best virtual background effect and uses less system resources during the meeting. This method requires you to have a solid-colored screen, curtain, or wall behind you, which Zoom will replace the selected color with the image or video you selected. This method improves the sharpness and definition of the virtual background effect around you.

For best results:

• Use a very bright and distinct color, such as a green or blue screen. The contrast in colors makes it easier to distinguish you in the foreground from the bright background.
• Higher quality cameras result in a better virtual background. See camera recommendations for details.
• Use uniform lighting and color.
• Do not wear clothing that is the same color as the virtual background.

Virtual background without a green screen provides the same effect as when using a green screen, only with less sharpness and definition around you. 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. This method requires more system resources, so it has higher system requirements.

For best results: 

• Higher quality cameras result in a better virtual background. See camera recommendations for details.
• Use uniform lighting and color. 
• 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. 

Change your virtual background before a meeting

1. Sign in to the Zoom desktop app.
2. In the top-right corner, click your profile picture, then click Settings.
3. Click the Video & effects tab.
4. Click the Virtual backgrounds tab.
   Note: If you do not see the Virtual backgrounds tab and you have enabled it on the web portal, sign out of the Zoom desktop app and sign in again.
5. (Optional) Choose from the following options to change or remove your virtual background:
   Note: If you are currently in a meeting or webinar with your video on, your virtual background will change in the live session if you change it from these settings.
   • Click None to remove your virtual background.
   • Click Blur to blur your background.
   • Choose from the available default or recently uploaded images or videos.
   • To upload your own virtual background, click the add icon and choose if you want to upload an image or a video. Then continue by choosing a file on your device. If prompted, click Download to download the package for virtual background without a green screen.
   • To generate a custom virtual background using AI Companion, click Generate next to Create AI virtual background, then enter your virtual background idea into the text box and click Generate. If you'd like a different result, click Try again to generate a new background. You can also select an artistic style for your image from the available options.
6. (Optional) Click the I have a green screen toggle if you have a physical green screen set up. Ensure that you are using a solid background color when this option is enabled. You can then click on your video to select the correct color for the green screen.

Change your virtual background during a meeting

1. Join a meeting on the Zoom desktop app.
2. In the meeting controls toolbar, click the arrow icon  next to Video .
3. Click Video & effect settings.
   The Video & effects side panel will open.
4. Below your video preview, click the Virtual backgrounds tab, or scroll down to the Virtual backgrounds section.
5. (Optional) In the Virtual backgrounds section, choose from the following options to change or remove your virtual background:
   Note: If you are currently in a meeting or webinar with your video on, your virtual background will change in the live session if you change it from these settings.
   • Click None to remove your virtual background.
   • Click Blur to blur your background.
   • Choose from the available default or recently uploaded images or videos.
   • To upload your own virtual background, click the add icon  and choose if you want to upload an image or a video. Then continue with choosing a file on your device. If prompted, click Download to download the package for virtual background without a green screen.
   • To generate a custom virtual background using AI Companion, click Generate next to Create AI virtual background, then enter your virtual background idea into the text box and click Generate. If you'd like a different result, click Try again to generate a new background. You can also select an artistic style for your image from the available options.
6. (Optional) Click the I have a green screen toggle if you have a physical green screen set up. Ensure that you are using a solid background color when this option is enabled. You can then click on your video to select the correct color for the green screen.

Change your virtual background during a meeting

1. Sign in to the Zoom mobile app.
2. Join a meeting.
3. In the meeting controls toolbar, tap More, then tap Settings.
4. Tap Virtual backgrounds.
5. (Optional) Choose from the following options to change or remove your virtual background:
   Note: If you are currently in a meeting with your video on, your virtual background will change in the meeting if you change it from these settings.
   • Tap None to remove your virtual background.
   • Tap Blur to blur your background.
   • Choose from the available default or recently uploaded images.
   • To upload your own virtual background, tap the plus icon + and choose an image on your device.
     The background will be automatically applied.
6. After selecting your virtual background, tap the close icon .

Change your virtual background outside of a meeting (iOS only)

Note: The following instructions are based on Zoom Workplace mobile app for iOS versions 6.5.0 and higher.

1. Sign in to the Zoom mobile app for iOS.
2. In the top-left corner, tap your profile picture.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Video & effects.
5. Under Appearance, tap Background & effects.
6. (Optional) On the Backgrounds tab, choose from the following options to change or remove your virtual background:
   Note: If you are currently in a meeting with your video on, your virtual background will change in the meeting if you change it from these settings.
   • Tap None to remove your virtual background.
   • Tap Blur to blur your background.
   • Choose from the available default or recently uploaded images.
   • To upload your own virtual background, tap the plus icon + and choose an image on your device.
     The background will be automatically applied.
7. After selecting your virtual background, tap the close icon .

1. Join or start a meeting through the Zoom web app.
2. In the meeting controls toolbar, next to the Start Video / Stop Video icon, click the up arrow icon .
3. Click Choose Background.
4. Choose from the following options:
   • Under Choose Background, click on an image to select the desired virtual background.
   • Add your own image by clicking the add icon to select the image you want to upload.
     Note: If you cannot add an image, contact your Zoom admin to enable this feature.
5. Close the window to return to the meeting.