How to Change Background in Teams

Created by Nihal On May 31, 2024 | Last Updated On July 9, 2024

Technical

Want to take your Microsoft Teams calls to the next level? Discover the art of effortless background switching! You can liven up your virtual meetings effectively by making them fun or professional in just a few clicks.

Now, let’s move into the simple steps on how to change background in Teams!

How to Change Background in Teams Before Meeting

You can do it on the preview screen to change your backdrop before joining a meeting.

To change your background image in Teams, follow these steps:

Join a video call or meeting in Teams and Enable the camera.
Click on the “Background Filters” next to your camera.
You will see a list of background images.
Select one of Teams’ default images or upload your picture by clicking “Add new or Click on the image of your choice and then apply.

Now, other participants can see your image at the meeting.

That’s it. You have successfully changed your Microsoft Teams background with your custom image. You can set unlimited custom images for your Teams meeting of your choice.

How to Change Background in Teams During the Meeting

If you are in a meeting, Teams also lets you change your background during a meeting. To do so, please follow the steps:

To change your background image in Teams during the meeting, follow these steps:

On the menu bar during a meeting, click the More Actions button (three dots).
Select background effects from the drop-down menu.
You will see the same list of backgrounds as before, and you can choose one or add a new one.
To apply a background, click on it and then click Apply.

Remember, ensuring the security of your Microsoft 365 data is crucial, so always maintain regular backups. Check out this article to learn how to backup Microsoft 365 data.

How To Change Your Teams Meeting Background On Mobile

Microsoft Teams offers the flexibility to change your background on the go directly from your mobile device.

Here’s a quick guide on how to set background in Teams on mobile if your device supports it:

How To Change Teams Background Before A Meeting (Mobile):

Open the Teams app and navigate to the Calendar tab.
Locate the meeting you want to join and tap Join.
On the pre-join screen, tap the button labelled “Change background” or “Background effects”.
You will see your background options. Choose from:
- Blur: This option keeps things simple by blurring your background for privacy.
- Teams backgrounds: Select one of the pre-loaded images provided by Microsoft Teams.
- Add new: Select from Teams’ pre-loaded images. If you want to personalise your meeting space further, you can add background to Teams by uploading your custom image. (Supported formats include JPG, PNG, and BMP)
Once you have chosen your background, tap “Done” to confirm.

You have learned how to add background to Teams on a mobile device before joining the meeting.

How To Change Background On Microsoft Teams During A Meeting (Mobile):

Join your meeting and tap the “More actions” button (three dots).
From the menu, select “Background effects”.
The same background options you saw before joining will appear. Choose your desired background or upload your own.
Please tap on the chosen background to apply it, and you are ready to go!

You have learned how to add background in Teams on the mobile device during the meeting.

Troubleshooting Background Issues

While changing background in Teams is straightforward, occasional glitches can occur. Here’s a quick guide to troubleshoot common background issues:

Need for Background Option: Some mobile devices might need the hardware to support background effects. Double-check if the “Change background” or “Background effects” button appears on the pre-join screen. If not, your device might not be compatible.

Background Not Applying:

- Restart the Teams App: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches. Close the Teams app completely and relaunch it.
- Check for Updates: Ensure you’re using the latest version of the Teams app. Outdated versions might have bugs affecting background functionality. Update the app through your device’s app store.
- Reinstall the App: If restarting and updating doesn’t work, try reinstalling the Teams app. Reinstalling the app will ensure a clean installation and eliminate any corrupted files causing issues.

Blurry or Pixelated Background:

- Ensure Good Internet Connection: A weak internet connection can cause the background image to appear blurry or pixelated. Connect to a more robust Wi-Fi network or improve your mobile data signal.
- Reduce Background Image Resolution: Using a custom background image, use a lower-resolution version. High-resolution photos can be resource-intensive and lead to display issues on some devices.

Background Incorrectly Fills the Frame:

- Adjust Camera Position: Ensure your camera is positioned correctly within the frame. Avoid having too much background space or having your body cut off by the background image.
- Use a Green Screen (Advanced): Consider using a green screen setup for a more professional and precise background replacement. The green screen provides a clean background for Teams to replace with your chosen image.

If you have tried these troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues, consider searching the Microsoft Teams support website or forums for more specific solutions.

Check out this article to learn how to blur background in teams on desktop and mobile devices.

What Are Some Excellent Backgrounds for Teams?

A good impression is critical in every meeting. Even if you are less taking, having a personal look and a decent background will reveal much about your personality during the conference.

Every meeting is different, so how would you pick a suitable background for your meeting?

Examples of Good Backgrounds for Teams

Here are some examples of good backgrounds for Teams that you can use or get inspired by:

Office backgrounds. Select a professional office background to convey a focused and organised impression. It can be realistic or stylised, featuring your company’s branding or relevant information.

Nature backgrounds. Use a natural backdrop to create a relaxing and friendly environment. You can choose a landscape, plant, animal, flower, or background for your favourite outdoor activity.

Personal backgrounds. If you want to build a human connection with proof that you are an authentic individual, you could use your background.

Creative backgrounds. Use a creative background to create a fun and playful mood. It can be humorous, loving or any other surprising element like a meme, cartoon, or optical illusion. You can also use a background representing something fictional or imaginary, like a superhero, a unicorn, or a dragon.

Check out this article for some creative custom Teams background images.

Tips on Choosing the Best Background for Teams

Indeed, These are simply a few illustrations of suitable backgrounds for Teams. You can find many more online or on your own. But how do you select the right background for your case? Here are some tips:

Select a backdrop that suits your purpose and audience. For instance, in a formal setting, such as a meeting with clients or colleagues, you may have a professional or neutral background. If the meeting is a light or social between friends, neighbours, or family members, you may use a more personal or fun-type background.

Select a background that is plain and not cluttered. Choose manageable backgrounds with bright colours or patterns, as these will distract you. Refrain from using backgrounds that contain writing and logos that could be irrelevant or misleading to your viewers.

Select a background that fits your screen and camera angle. Ensure that your backdrop fills the space behind you and leaves no gaps or edges. In addition, ensure that your background does not encroach onto your face or body movements.

Conclusion

It is fun and practical to change your background in Teams. You can use it to blur your environment, add that professional touch, or even have fun with different images.

Nevertheless, choosing a different background needs to be considered by some factors, including purpose, audience, clarity, and fit. We hope this article has provided some ideas and proposals on where to find and how to utilise the best backgrounds for Teams. Happy meeting!