Blur background option can be a great alternative if a custom virtual background is not available or doesn’t suit your needs, but you still want to be able to see your surroundings. The background will be blurred in this option, so you won’t be able to see exactly who or what is behind you. It’s great for keeping things professional when taking a meeting in a coffee shop, hiding a messy dorm room, etc.

Prerequisites for using blurred background

• Zoom desktop client:
  • Windows: 5.5.0 (12454.0131) or higher
  • macOS: 5.5.0 (12467.0131) or higher
• Zoom mobile app:
  • Android version: 5.6.6 (2076) or higher
  • iOS version: 5.6.6 (423) or higher
• Virtual Background requires the following system requirements
  • The desktop client must comply with the “Images only without a green screen” requirements
  • as well as the device requirements for Android and iOS.

How to enable blur background

Virtual Background directly controls the Blur option as it is just a variant of the Virtual Background settings. The Virtual Background support article contains information on enabling virtual backgrounds.

Windows | macOS

• Log in to the Zoom desktop client.
• Go to Settings by clicking your profile picture.

• Choose a background and filter.
  Note: Please sign out of the Zoom desktop client and sign in again if you do not see the Virtual Background tab after enabling it on the web portal.
• Click the Blur option.

Backgrounds behind you will become blurry, making it difficult to see your surroundings.

How to enable blur background during a meeting

1. As a panelist in a Zoom Meeting or Webinar, you can participate.
2. Click the up arrow next to the Start Video/Stop Video button in the bottom-left corner of the video window in order to go up.
3. Choose Blur My Background.
   Note: This option is only available in version 5.9.3. When using older versions, please refer to the section above for instructions on how to turn off the blurring of the background.

Notes:

• You will be able to use that virtual background in future meetings once you enable the blurred background.
• When you choose the None option in Virtual Background Options, you will disable Virtual Background immediately.
• Those without Blur should ensure they meet the technical requirements for “Image only without a green screen” and ensure they have the appropriate version of the desktop client.

Android | iOS

• Sign in to the Zoom mobile app.
• While in a Zoom meeting, tap More in the controls.

• Tap Virtual Background (Android) or Background and Filters (iOS).
• Choose Blur.
  Behind you, your surroundings will become obscured by a blurred background.

Notes:

• You will be able to use the blurred background in future meetings after you enable it.
• Choose None in the virtual background options if you wish to disable Virtual Background.
• You must have the correct version of the mobile app and meet the technical requirements to use the Blur option.