How to Add a Virtual Background to Your Zoom Video Calls

A Zoom virtual background replaces or blurs what is behind you during video calls — no messy room visible, just you. Here is how to set one up.

In this guide (4 steps):

1.Set up a virtual background in Zoom on your computer
2.Enable virtual backgrounds on the Zoom mobile app
3.Choose the right background image
4.Fix problems with your virtual background

Set up a virtual background in Zoom on your computer

~40s

Open Zoom. Click your profile picture at the top right → "Settings" → click "Backgrounds & Filters" in the left menu. You will see a row of background options. Click "Blur" to blur your real background, or click one of the preset background images. To use your own photo: click the "+" button → "Add Image" → choose a photo from your computer. The background applies immediately in the preview. Close settings and start a meeting — your background is active.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: If your computer doesn't meet the minimum specs for virtual backgrounds without a green screen, Zoom will warn you. In that case, use background blur instead — it works on older hardware and still hides a messy room.

Enable virtual backgrounds on the Zoom mobile app

~21s

Open the Zoom app on your phone → start or join a meeting → tap "More" (three dots at the bottom) → "Virtual Background" (or "Background and Filters"). A selection of backgrounds appears. Tap the blur icon or any background image to apply it. Tap "Close" when done. The background remains active for the duration of the meeting.

Choose the right background image

~31s

The best virtual background images are: landscape format (wider than tall), at least 1920x1080 pixels for sharpness, not too busy or distracting, appropriate for the context (a beach scene for a family call; a clean bookshelf or plain wall for professional meetings). Avoid backgrounds with lots of fine details (like a forest of leaves) — they can shimmer and distort around the edges of your face and hair.

Quick Tip

Quick Tip: Zoom has free professional background packs available at zoom.us/virtual-backgrounds. Many users simply use the blur option, which requires no image and works well in nearly any situation.

Fix problems with your virtual background

~27s

If the background is flickering, green-screening improperly, or cutting off parts of your face: sit against a solid, evenly lit wall; ensure good lighting on your face (a window in front of you is ideal); wear clothing that contrasts with your background. If using a green screen cloth, make sure it is smooth with no wrinkles. If the option is grayed out, check that your graphics drivers are up to date or switch to background blur, which has lower hardware requirements.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Add a Virtual Background to Your Zoom Video Calls

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If you have ever been on a Zoom video call and wished you could hide a cluttered room or laundry pile behind you, Zoom's virtual background feature does exactly that. It replaces your real background with an image of your choice — a simple solid color, a professional-looking office, a scenic outdoor view, or anything you upload. There is also a "Blur" option that softens your background without replacing it entirely.

Virtual backgrounds work best with a solid-colored wall behind you (especially green). They still work on most backgrounds, but solid colors give the cleanest edges. Zoom's virtual backgrounds are free and easy to activate — no green screen required on most modern computers and phones.

This guide covers setting up virtual backgrounds on both desktop and the Zoom mobile app.

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