Enable Virtual Backgrounds for Cisco Webex Meetings, Events, and Training

Every Webex user in your organization will have the option to use virtual backgrounds for meetings, so they don’t have to worry about distracting others during a meeting. Users can also add their own custom backgrounds to the blur and virtual backgrounds provided.

Versions of the following applications support virtual backgrounds:

• Mac and Windows—Meetings and events using Webex Meetings must be using version 40.6.x or higher (40.8 or higher if you want custom backgrounds).

• IOS—Meetings, events, and training using Webex require Webex 40.4 and later. It is only compatible with Webex Meetings version 40.2 and earlier.

• Android—A Webex meeting, webex event, or webex training requires version 40.6 or later

Site Administration

1. Click Configuration > Common Site Settings > Options from Webex Site Administration.
2. Select the Enable virtual background checkbox under Site Options.

In order to enable virtual backgrounds for iOS users on your Webex site, you must also enable Display user avatars in the meeting client (Meetings).

The box next to Allow users to add a custom background should be checked to allow users to choose their own backgrounds. 

Computers and mobile devices can only save custom background images locally. The files are not uploaded to the cloud. Adding the same image to another device is necessary if a meeting host or attendee wants to use it on another device.

Control Hub

1. Go to Services under Meetings, and then click on Sites from the customer view in https://admin.webex.com.
2. If you want to modify the site, select it, then click the Configure Site button at the bottom of the window that opens.
3. Click on the Site Options link under Common Settings.
4. Ensure that the Enable virtual background box is checked.

It is also necessary to check Display user avatars in the meeting client (Meetings) if your Webex site is older than version 40.4.12, just to enable virtual backgrounds for iOS users if your Webex site is older than version 40.4.12.

The box next to Allow users to add a custom background needs to be checked in order to allow users to select their own backgrounds.

Creating a custom background image only works on computers or mobile devices that can save locally. The files are not uploaded to the cloud by them. The meeting host or attendee needs to add the same image again on the new device if they wish to use the same image on another device during the meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t My Webex have a virtual background?

It is possible that the Change background option does not appear if virtual backgrounds are not enabled. Depending on what your site administrator has allowed for your site, you are able to choose from a variety of backgrounds. To check if your version of Webex and your computer or device support virtual backgrounds, make sure you refer to the list of requirements.

How do I enable background change in Webex?

You can access Webex Site Administration by signing in and going to Configuration > Common Site Settings > Options. During the Site Options section of the page, click on the Enable virtual background checkbox and make sure it is checked.

How do I add a virtual background to a Webex meeting?

What is the procedure for adding a virtual background to a Webex meeting?

• Go to the Preferences section of Webex and choose the Video option.

• Choose Change Virtual Background from the video tab of the video player.

• Tap the + icon at the bottom of the screen. In order to create a background for your Webex meeting, you can upload an image, video file, or use one of the custom backgrounds provided by Webex.

• Please click on the Apply button!

What is minimum requirements for Webex virtual background?

You may use an image or video file with a size of 480 x 360 pixels or greater as a recommendation so that your video or image will fit. There is a limit of 1920 x 1080 pixels for the files. Please make your choice and click the Apply button once you have done so. In the Webex App, you are able to select the type of call or meeting you wish to have for your next call.

Where are virtual backgrounds stored in Webex?

Go to Organization Settings > Virtual backgrounds in the customer side of Webex in the admin page https://admin.webex.com.

How do I change my Webex background from black to white?

As of Android version 10 and later, this setting is available to you. You can access the settings of your account by going to More > Settings > My Account > General. The theme you wish to use can be selected from the Appearance menu.

How do I change my Webex background on Mac?

In the course of a video call

It is possible to open the settings menu by clicking on the three vertical dots within the window of your self-video. You can change your background by selecting the option “change background”. It is possible to select an image from the pre-selected images or you can add your own image by selecting the “+” and selecting an image of your choice.

How do I add a virtual background to Webex on IPAD?

As of now, these features are only available through the mobile WebEx meetings app for iOS devices, which is available for both Android and iOS devices. 1. If you tap on the Video icon, you will be able to choose the Virtual Background option.

Does Webex have background blur?

It is also possible to create a virtual background on Android, similar to the blur effect. In addition, you have the option of replacing your surroundings with the image you wish to create as a virtual background. The Android operating system on your device must be in Android 9.0 version or later in order for this to work. The background of a Webex meeting can be changed in two different ways.

All images and contents credit goes to help.webex.com