Samsung Galaxy Video Call Effects: How to Use Them

Samsung Galaxy video call effects can soften or blur your background, replace it with an image, and adjust your appearance during supported video calls. The controls are usually in the phone’s Settings app, but which effects appear depends on your Galaxy model, software version, and calling app.

What You’ll Need

A Samsung Galaxy phone with the video call effects feature. Availability and effect options vary by model and software.
A supported video-calling app, such as Google Meet or another app that works with Samsung’s video effects. Not every app supports every effect.
A working front camera and an internet connection for the call.
Your phone’s lock-screen PIN, pattern, or password if you need to change settings or install an update.

Step-by-Step

Check for software updates. Open Settings, tap Software update, then Download and install. Install an available update and restart the phone if asked. Menu names can differ slightly by software version. Updating may help if the feature is missing, but an update cannot add it to every model.
Find the video call effects setting. Open Settings and look for Advanced features > Video call effects. On some versions, the setting may be available by searching Settings: tap the search icon and enter “Video call effects.” If neither route finds it, your device or software may not offer the feature.
Turn on the feature and choose an effect. Switch on Video call effects if there is a master switch. Depending on your phone, you may see choices for a background color, a background image, or face effects. Select a background option and choose a color or image when prompted. Some versions show controls for effects such as smoothing; the exact choices vary.
Allow camera access in the calling app. If the app has never used the camera, open Settings > Apps > the calling app > Permissions and allow Camera access. Also allow microphone access if you want to speak. Android menu wording may vary. Do not disable permissions you need for the call.
Start a video call. Open a supported calling app and join or start a video call. Turn your camera on. The effects may apply automatically based on your saved settings, or you may need to open the effects control during the call.
Open the in-call effects control if needed. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings, then look for Video call effects. On some versions, the control is available from the notification shade or a floating control while a video call is active. Tap it to open the options. If you cannot see it, expand Quick Settings or check the Settings route again.
Choose and preview your effect. Tap a background or other available effect. If you choose an image, select one from the displayed options or follow the on-screen picker. Check the call preview before continuing. Effects may look different in dim lighting or when the camera cannot clearly separate you from the background.
Adjust or turn effects off. Reopen the effects control to select a different option, or choose the option that removes the effect. End the call and check the video call effects setting if you want to change what is selected for future calls. A setting may remain selected between calls, so verify it before an important meeting.

Common Mistakes

Looking only inside the calling app. Samsung’s feature may be controlled by the phone’s Settings or Quick Settings rather than the app’s own effects menu.
Assuming every Galaxy phone has the same options. Features vary by model, software, and app. A background blur or image option on one phone may not appear on another.
Expecting the effect to work with every app. An app may use the camera in a way that does not support Samsung’s system-level effects. Test the app you plan to use.
Leaving the camera off. Background and face effects cannot be previewed or applied to a video feed while the camera is disabled.
Choosing a busy image or sitting in poor light. A cluttered background and weak lighting can make the subject outline look uneven. A simple background and even light usually produce a cleaner result.
Forgetting an effect is still selected. Effects may persist after a call. Check your preview before joining another call, especially if you selected a custom background.

Tips

Set up and test the effect in a short call before relying on it for a presentation or interview.
Place the phone steadily at eye level and leave some space around your head and shoulders. This gives the camera a clearer view of you.
Face a window or another soft light source rather than sitting with a bright window behind you.
Use a plain background or one of the built-in choices if a custom image looks cropped or distracting.
Keep your face visible and avoid moving quickly while using background replacement; rapid movement can make the edge detection less consistent.
If you use a Bluetooth headset or another camera accessory, test it with the app beforehand. The effect is intended for the phone’s camera feed, and accessory behavior can differ.

Troubleshooting

The setting is missing: Search Settings for “Video call effects,” check Advanced features, and install any available software update. If it still does not appear, the feature may not be supported on your model or software. Avoid installing unofficial apps or files to force it on.

The effect does not appear in a call: Confirm that the camera is on, the calling app has camera permission, and the app is compatible with the system effect. Try opening the effect from Quick Settings while the call is active. If the app offers its own background effect, test that separately; its controls are distinct from Samsung’s.

The background looks rough or flickers: Improve the lighting, move away from a busy background, and keep the phone still. Close and reopen the effect, or switch it off and back on. Some edge errors are normal, especially around hair or fast movement.

The app cannot use the camera: Go to Settings > Apps > the calling app > Permissions and check camera access. Close other apps that may be using the camera, then restart the calling app. Restart the phone if the camera remains unavailable.

Quick Settings has no effects button: Swipe down twice to fully expand Quick Settings. If the button is still absent, tap the edit control to see whether it can be added. If it is not among the available buttons, use Settings or check device support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Samsung video call effects work in every app?
No. Support depends on the phone, software, and app. Check during a test call in the specific app you use.

Where do I find video call effects on a Galaxy phone?
Start with Settings > Advanced features > Video call effects. You can also search Settings or look in Quick Settings during a call.

Can I use my own picture as a background?
Some phones and software versions offer a background image option. If it appears, follow the on-screen picker; otherwise, use the available built-in choices.

Can I turn off the effects during a call?
Yes. Open the effects control and choose the no-effect or reset option, if shown. You can also switch off the feature in Settings.

Why does my Galaxy phone not show the feature?
It may not be supported by your model or installed software, or the calling app may not support it. Check for updates and search Settings; availability is not identical across Galaxy phones.

Do the effects change what the other person sees?
They alter the video sent from your phone, so the other person sees the effect when it is active. Your preview may differ slightly from the image received by the other participant.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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