Set a Custom Background Image in Microsoft Teams

This guide shows you how to replace the default Microsoft Teams meeting background with your own image, giving your video calls a more professional or personal look. You’ll learn how to upload and apply a custom background on both desktop and mobile, plus how to fix common issues.

What You’ll Need

• A Microsoft Teams account (free or work/school).
• The Teams desktop app (Windows or Mac) or the mobile app (iOS/Android). The web browser version also supports custom backgrounds.
• An image file (JPG, PNG, or BMP) that you want to use as your background.

Step-by-Step

Before a Meeting (Desktop)

1. Open Microsoft Teams and sign in.
2. Click your profile picture at the top right, then select Settings.
3. In the left menu, choose Devices.
4. Under the Camera section, click Background effects. (If you don’t see this, update Teams or check your camera is working.)
5. In the panel that opens, you’ll see several default backgrounds. To add your own, click Add new (the plus icon) and browse to your image file.
6. Select the image, and it will appear in your background options. Click Preview to see how it looks, then click Apply to save it.

During a Meeting (Desktop)

1. Join a meeting or start one.
2. Click the More actions (three dots) button in the meeting controls.
3. Select Apply background effects.
4. Click Add new to upload your image, then select it and click Apply.

On Mobile (iOS/Android)

1. Open the Teams app and join a meeting.
2. Tap the More actions (three dots) at the bottom of the screen.
3. Choose Background effects.
4. Tap Add new to upload an image from your device, then select it and tap Done.

Common Mistakes

• Using an unsupported file type: Teams accepts JPG, PNG, and BMP. GIFs and SVG files won’t work.
• Image too large: Very high-resolution images (e.g., 8K) may fail to upload. Resize to 1920×1080 or smaller.
• Choosing a busy image: A cluttered background can distract from you. Pick a simple, clean image with good contrast.
• Forgetting to apply: Previewing a background doesn’t set it. You must click Apply.
• Using a background with your face: If the image contains a face, Teams may try to blur it or treat it as a person, causing weird artifacts.

Tips

• Use a blur effect: If you don’t have a custom image, Teams’ built-in blur is a great way to hide a messy room.
• Check lighting: Your background will look better if you have even lighting on your face. Avoid sitting with a bright window behind you.
• Keep it professional: For work meetings, choose neutral colors or a subtle pattern. For casual calls, anything goes.
• Update Teams regularly: Background features improve with updates, so keep your app current.
• Use a green screen: If you have a green screen, check the Background effects settings to enable it for better edge detection.

Troubleshooting

Background not showing up: Make sure your camera is on and working. If you’re using a virtual camera (like OBS), Teams may not apply backgrounds. Try switching to your built-in webcam.

Can’t find the “Add new” button: This usually means your organization’s admin has disabled custom backgrounds. Contact your IT department. Also, ensure you’re on the latest version of Teams.

Background appears but is distorted: Your image aspect ratio may differ from your camera’s. Use an image with a 16:9 aspect ratio (e.g., 1920×1080) for best results.

Background works in preview but not in the meeting: Some older graphics drivers cause this. Update your graphics driver and restart Teams. If that fails, try turning off hardware acceleration in Teams settings.

Background is too dark or too bright: Adjust the image’s brightness or contrast before uploading. Teams does not offer in-app adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a video as my background?

No, Teams only supports static images for custom backgrounds. The built-in blur and some default scenes are the only non-static options.

Will my background work in recordings?

Yes, if the background is applied during the meeting, it will appear in the recording just as it does live.

Can I set a different background for each meeting?

Yes, you can change your background before each meeting or during it. The last applied background is saved for your next meeting.

Does the web version support custom backgrounds?

Yes, the Teams web app supports custom backgrounds in Chrome and Edge. You can access the same background effects menu.

Why does my background make my face look cut out?

This happens when the image has poor contrast with your skin or hair. Try a background with a solid color that contrasts with your appearance, or use a green screen.

Can I remove a custom background I uploaded?

Yes, go to the background effects menu, hover over the custom background, and click the trash icon to delete it.

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