If you want to learn how to change your background in Zoom and Microsoft Teams for that upcoming big meeting, then pay close attention. This guide will tackle almost everything you need to learn, whether you're on a laptop, desktop, or mobile.
Zoom and Microsoft Teams are more or less similar in terms of how they work. The only difference is the time limit (a topic worth a new article for another time). Both software allow you to change your virtual background to fit almost any meeting, just in case you're not confident enough to show the place you're in (maybe your room is messy, etc).
First off, let's start with Zoom. Here, both the mobile and laptop/desktop versions will be covered.
How To Change Your Background In Zoom On The Desktop/Laptop
To start with, you'll need to decide on your background image (if you've been given an official one to use, disregard this). You can use almost anything as a virtual background, according to Zoom Support. This could be a video or a still image, and there are no size restrictions.
If you want to use Zoom's built-in virtual backgrounds, you'll need to use a solid color background, preferably a green one (aka a green screen).
Once you've figured out your setup, you'll need to make sure that virtual backgrounds are enabled in your account. Do this by following these steps:
Sign in to your account as an administrator (if you own the account, this will be far simpler.
Go to Account Management > Account Settings > Meeting.
Go to the Virtual Background option within the Meeting tab. There, see if the Virtual Background option is enabled or disabled. If it is disabled, enable it by clicking the toggle. Verify the change by clicking Turn On if a verification box shows up.
Read also: Video Meetings: Some People Love Seeing Their Reflection During Zoom, Google Calls, Study Claims
Now that you've set that up, it is time to put your virtual background to work for your next Zoom meeting! Assuming you're already signed in to your account, perform these steps in order:
Click on your profile picture in the upper right corner.
Click the gear icon to go to Settings.
Click the Backgrounds & Filters option. There, you can pick between Zoom's built-in backgrounds, or choose your own.
To add your own custom image or video, click the small Plus icon and pick between Add Image or Add Video.
Once your background is added, you can now choose it from the options below.
If you have a physical green screen, click the I Have A Green Screen option. Afterwards, click on your video sample to set up the right color for your green screen setup.
Changing Zoom Background On Phone (Android/iOS)
If you're on mobile, the steps are more or less similar barring a few different labels. Follow these steps:
Sign into your account using the mobile app.
Join or set up a meeting, then tap More (three dots) located in the bottom right corner.
Tap the Virtual Background option if you're on Android, or Background and Filters if you're on iOS.
Choose the background you want to use by tapping it, or upload a new image. It will automatically be applied to your video once it is chosen/uploaded.
Tao Close to return to the meeting.
How To Change Background In Microsoft Teams
It is also easy to learn how to change the background in Microsoft Teams for both desktop/laptop and mobile. As per CNET, this is all you need to do:
Before starting your own or joining an existing Teams meeting, go to the Background Effects option. But if you're in the middle of a meeting, click the three dots (tap if you're on mobile) at the bottom of your screen to access the Meeting Controls tab.
Once there, click More Actions > Show Background Effects.
From there, you can either pick the image you want, or select Blur to blur your background. To add a new image, click the Add New option.
Hit Apply.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by RJ Pierce
