How to Change Background on Zoom

This article explains how to add or change a Zoom virtual background before or during meetings. Includes information for adding your own images to Zoom to use as a background.

How to Add or Change Zoom's Virtual Background Feature

It's recommended that you use a reasonably high quality webcam and avoid wearing clothing that are the same color as the virtual background. Watch the video or follow the written instructions below to get your background set up.

Assuming your PC or Mac has the power to cope with the virtual background feature, it's easy to set up. Here's how to do it, and hide all that clutter behind you.

1. Open the Zoom desktop client.

   You may need to log in at this stage.

2. Click the Settings cog.

   

3. Click Virtual Background.

   

4. Click on a virtual background of your choice.

   

5. If your PC/Mac is powerful enough, the virtual background will be immediately applied to your image. 

6. If you have a lower spec system, set up a green screen behind you and tick the I have a green screen box to see your virtual background correctly.

   

How to Add a Zoom Virtual Background Mid Meeting

If you're halfway through a meeting and you've realized you need to hide your background, there's a simple way of doing it. Here's what to do.

1. During the call, click the up arrow next to Stop Video.

   

2. Click Choose Virtual Background.

3. Select a Virtual Background from the list of available options.

4. Close Settings.

5. The virtual background should now be in place, hiding anything in the actual background of your call.

How to Add Your Own Images to Zoom Virtual Background

Zoom comes with its own supply of virtual backgrounds, but it's possible to add your own images. Here's how to do it.

1. On the Zoom app, click the Settings cog.

   

2. Click Virtual Background.

   

3. Click the plus sign next to Choose Virtual Background.

   

4. Browse to find the picture you want to add.

5. Click Open.

6. The picture is now your virtual background. 

   To delete the background, click on the x on the image thumbnail. 

Why Won't My Virtual Background Work?

To use Zoom's video chat background feature, you need a fairly high spec PC or Mac to enable it. That means your Mac or PC will need a very recent version of its operating system and higher-end quad-core processor.

If you have an older, lower spec system then you'll require placing a physical green screen behind you for Zoom conference to be able to pick up on it and translate your background to a more aesthetically pleasing backdrop than what was there before.