Method 1: Using a PC or Mac
Step 1: Open the Zoom Desktop App
Open the Zoom desktop application. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Linux, you can use this app to blur your background.
Already in a meeting? If you’re a panelist, quickly blur your background by clicking the up-arrow next to the “Stop Video” or “Start Video” button and selecting Blur My Background.
Step 2: Update Zoom
If it’s been a while since you last updated Zoom, you might not find the blur option. Updating is quick and easy:
- Click your profile photo or initial at the top-right.
- Choose Check for updates.
- If an update is available, click Install. It installs quickly without needing to restart the app.
Step 3: Click Your Profile Photo or Initial
You’ll find this at the top-right corner of the Zoom app.
Step 4: Click Settings
Select Settings from the menu to open your Zoom preferences.
Step 5: Click the Background & Effects Tab
Located in the left panel. Depending on your version, this might be listed as Background & Filters.
Step 6: Click the Virtual Backgrounds Tab
If you’re not already there, click Virtual Backgrounds below your video preview.
If you don’t see Virtual Backgrounds, you need to enable it for your account. After enabling and restarting the app, you can use the blur and other background effects.
Step 7: Click Blur
Select Blur. Your camera preview will show an instantly blurred background while keeping your face clear.
Step 8: Join a Zoom Meeting
Now, your background will appear fuzzy in your meeting.
Your background will remain blurred in future Zoom meetings until you change the settings in Virtual Backgrounds.