From educational institutions to business organizations, thanks to platforms like Zoom that everyone can stay in touch and discuss their tasks & duties from their personal spaces. Since you won’t have quite the appearance on the background as that of your workplace, you may have already known of the trick to hide your messy room, i.e. by using Zoom’s Virtual Background feature.
Having a Zoom background is somewhat necessary and fun. But do you know how to change and swap your background for your meetings? Hence, in this article, I have listed the steps to change and manage your background on your Zoom account, along with other related terms to it.
Zoom Virtual Background
Zoom Virtual Background is a feature in Zoom that allows you to insert a photo or video file into your background and replaces the actual scenario behind you while you have a video call. You can easily set your background into anything you like and have fun managing your session too.
This feature is available for free, and it is already present in your Zoom profile’s options area. The virtual background works on both PC and smartphones (except Android). Once you have your Zoom app up-to-date, then this feature works just fine for you.
You have multiple options available on Zoom for designing your background. You can choose from the default images provided by Zoom itself, or you can add your own preferred photo/video from your device as a background for your meeting.
This effect works perfectly if you have a high-quality camera, proper lightings, and a solid color background, preferably a green one. It still works well even if you don’t have one, but there can be some glitching issues in certain cases. Besides, you should avoid wearing clothes of the same color as that of the background, or else you’ll appear as if you’re merged to the background itself.
Why You Need A Virtual Background On Zoom
If you have a well-managed room or a perfect wall to stay and start your meetings, then you won’t find the need for a virtual background. On the other hand, if your condition is exactly the opposite, you know you would love to apply for a simulated background to cover it up.
Whatever your condition is, these virtual backgrounds have a real effect to create an influential environment during your meetings. Here are some genuine reasons why you would need a virtual background on Zoom.
- You get to customize and edit your background in regards to represent your themes, such as your job roles, positions, social handles, or other necessary details.
- Designing your background with specific colors, logos, etc. can create an atmosphere in the related field, such as business or simple gatherings.
- It reduces any distractions during meetings by blocking sudden interruptions and busy spaces in the background.
- Above all, it keeps your personal space, even more, private and undisclosed.
How To Change Your Zoom Background From PC
Follow the steps below to change the background on your Zoom meeting from your PC.
Before Joining A Meeting
Do the following process if you want to change the background before you join a meeting:
- Open the Zoom app and sign in to your account.
- Click the settings gear on the top-right corner.
- Select “Virtual Background” from the left menu bar.
- Choose a default background that you want to have from any of the options provided by Zoom.
- If you want to add an image from your computer, click the “+” option. A pop-up window will open where you can choose and upload your picture from there.
- If you don’t want to apply any images to your background, select “None”.
After Joining A Meeting
Do the following process if you want to change the background after you join/while you’re in a meeting:
- At the bottom of the screen, click on the upward-facing arrow “^” within the “Stop Video” option. If the arrow is not present there, click on the “More” option, which is also available among the options on the bottom screen.
- Select “Virtual Background”.
- You’ll see your video preview with the current default background and other default images. Select one of the images from them to change your background.
- If you want to add an image from your computer, click the “+” option. A pop-up window will open where you can choose and upload your picture from there.
- If you don’t want to apply any images to your background, select “None”.
How To Change Your Zoom Background From Mobile App
Carry on the steps below to set a virtual background from your mobile app:
- Sign in to your Zoom account and start or join a Zoom meeting from your mobile.
- Tap on the “More” option at the bottom right of the screen.
- Select “Virtual Background”.
- Select an image from the default images available to change your background.
- If you want to upload your own image, tap the “+” icon, and choose your preferred photo.
- After selecting a background, tap “Close” to return to your meeting.
- If you don’t want to apply any images to your background, select “None”.
How To Add Filters On Your Zoom Background
Zoom has a feature that allows you to find and apply filters on yourself for a meeting. It is called “Touch Up My Appearance”, and you have to explore within the Zoom options to find it.
Follow the steps below to apply this feature:
- Click on “Settings”.
- If you’re on a PC, click on “Video”.
- If you’re using the mobile app, tap on “Meetings”.
- Select “Touch Up My Appearance”.
Once you use this feature, it makes your appearance look more clear, giving you a soft and smooth focus. It’s just like applying a beauty filter to yourself on the screen.
What To Do If You Don’t See “Virtual Background” Option Anywhere
In many instances, people have stated that they cannot find the option to set up a virtual background on their Zoom account. The reason behind this issue might vary according to different conditions. Either the app or your device’s version is not suitable for this feature, or you might have missed allowing its access into your account.
No matter what the reason is, you can try the following ways to bring out the “Virtual Background” option on your Zoom account:
- Make sure that you have the latest version of the Zoom app. Their up-to-date version does feature the Virtual Background.
- Check whether the device you’re using to open your Zoom account is of the compatible version to access the Virtual background feature.
- You need to check if this feature has been disabled by default for your account. If it is so, you have to manually enable it. (Check out the following steps on how to enable it.)
How To Enable Virtual Background For Your Account
- Open the Zoom website from your browser and log in to your account.
- After you’re logged in, click on “Settings” in the left sidebar of the browser.
- Select the “Meeting” tab.
- Now within the tab, scroll down and click the “Virtual Background” option.
- Click the status toggle to enable the background feature. This will automatically save the setting on your account too.
- After that, go to your system’s Zoom account and sign out from it.
- Again, sign in to your account from your system.
Once you’re logged in, you can check for the Virtual Background feature being available for your meeting.
Conclusion
There you have it. I have listed some easy and quick ways for you to have a change in your Zoom meeting’s background. Changing the theme can be fun and it can set an atmosphere for the meeting attendees as well. I hope this article helped you in solving your queries.
