Blurring your background makes your surroundings appear out of focus so people can't see the details of what's going on behind you. You can also completely replace your surroundings with one of the preset backgrounds, one that your site administrator provides, or add one of your own.

Having issues or don't see the Change Background option?

  • Make sure your Webex site administrator enabled virtual backgrounds for your site. If virtual backgrounds aren't enabled, the Change background option doesn't appear. The backgrounds that you can choose depend on what your site administrator allows for your site.

  • Check the list of requirements to make sure your Webex version and computer or device supports virtual backgrounds.

  • Virtual backgrounds aren't supported on the Meetings web app or on Linux.

  • Webex Training doesn't support virtual backgrounds.

  • Using virtual backgrounds increases the CPU usage of your computer or mobile device and may impact your battery life.

On Mac or Windows, use virtual backgrounds in meetings, webinars, and events using the Meetings desktop app.

1

To set your virtual background before you join a meeting, click Change background on the preview screen and choose the background that you want to use:

  • To blur your surroundings while remaining in focus, click Blur.
  • To use a default virtual background, click the one you want.
  • To use your own image, animated GIF, or video file for the virtual background, click the + icon.

We recommend that you use an image or video file that's 480 × 360 pixels in size or larger. Images must be in the .jpg, .png, or .gif format. Video files must be in the .mp4 or .mov format.

2

To change your background during a meeting, click the Video options icon Video options icon, choose Change virtual background and select the type of background you want.

3

When you're ready for everyone in the meeting to see your background, click Apply. Webex remembers your selection for your next meeting.

You can use virtual backgrounds in meetings, webinars, and events using the Meetings mobile app. You can change your background after you join. If you don't your surroundings to distract anyone before you set your virtual background, join the meeting with your video turned off.

1

To set your virtual background before you join a meeting, tap Change background on the preview screen and choose the background that you want to use:

  • To blur your surroundings while remaining in focus, tap Blur.
  • To use a default virtual background, tap the one you want.
  • To use your own image for the virtual background, tap the + icon.

We recommend that you use an image or video file that's 480 × 360 pixels in size or larger. Images must be in the .jpg, .png, or .gif format. Video files must be in the .mp4 or .mov format.

The image you choose saves to your mobile device so you can use it again for later meetings. Images only save to the device you add them to. If you want to use the same image on another device, you must add it to your new device.

2

To change your background during a meeting, tap Video Video, then tap Virtual Background and choose the background that you want to use.

3

When you're ready for everyone in the meeting to see your background, tap Apply. Webex remembers your selection for your next meeting.

On Android devices, you can use virtual backgrounds in Webex meetings and webinars using the Meetings mobile app. You can change your background after you join. If you don't want anyone to be distracted by your surroundings before you set your virtual background, join the meeting with your video turned off.

Changing your background isn't supported in Webex Training and Webex Events (classic).

1

Tap Video Video and then tap Virtual Background.

2

Do one of the following:

  • To blur your surroundings while remaining in focus, tap Blur.
  • To use a default virtual background, tap the one you want.
  • To use your own image for the virtual background, tap the + icon.

    We recommend that you use an image or video file that's 480 × 360 pixels in size or larger. Images must be in the .jpg or .png format. Video files must be in the .mp4 or .mov format.

    The image you choose saves to your mobile device so you can use it again for later meetings. Images only save to the device you add them to. If you want to use the same image on another device, you must add it to your new device.

3

When you're ready for everyone in the meeting to see your background, tap APPLY. Webex remembers your selection for your next meeting.

Requirements

We put together information about the Webex versions, operating systems, and computers and devices that support virtual backgrounds. Only the listed requirements are supported and the option to change your background doesn't appear if the device you're using doesn't meet the requirements.

If you're using Windows, Change Background may not work, even though the option appears.

Windows

Operating system:

  • Windows 10 64-bit (x86-64 and AMD64)

Processor:

  • Intel Core i3, i5, or i7 4000 series processor or higher

  • Intel Core i9 dual-core processor or higher

  • Intel Xeon dual-core processor or higher

  • Other Intel processors: 6 cores or higher

  • AMD Ryzen 5,7,9 4 core processor or higher

  • Other AMD processors: 4 cores at 3Ghz or higher, or more than 4 cores

  • Non-Intel and non-AMD processors: 8 cores or higher

Memory:

  • 4GB or more of RAM

GPU mode:

  • Intel® HD Graphics Driver version 26.20 and later

Mac

Operating system:

  • macOS High Sierra (version 10.13) and later

Processor:

  • Apple M1

  • Intel Core i9 dual-core processor or higher

  • Intel Core i7 5000 series dual-core processor or higher

  • Intel Core i7 3000 series quad-core processor or higher*

  • Intel Core i5 6000 series dual-core processor or higher

  • Intel Core i5 3000 series quad-core processor or higher

  • Intel Core i3 8000 series dual-core processor or higher

  • Intel Xeon dual-core processor or higher

  • Intel Core m3 7000 series dual-core processor or higher

  • Other Intel processors: 6 cores or higher

Macs that have Intel Core i5 5000 series processors (such as in the 2017 MacBook Air) don't support virtual backgrounds.

iOS

Device:

  • iPhone 7 and later

  • iPad (5th generation) and later

  • iPad Pro and later

  • iPad mini (5th generation) and later

  • iPad Air (3rd generation) and later

Android

Operating system:

  • Android 9.0 (Pie) and later

Processor:

  • Snapdragon 845

  • Samsung Exynos 9810

  • Equivalent processors with eight or more cores

Memory:

  • 3.5 GB or more of RAM

Only Android devices that meet these requirements are supported.

Best practices

These tips can help make sure you distinguish yourself from your surroundings so that you get the most out of using virtual backgrounds.

  • Make sure the area you're in is well lit.

  • Sit in front of a wall or other static backdrop.

  • Wear clothes that are a different color than your surroundings.

Depending on the capabilities of your computer, you may want to close any programs that have high CPU or GPU usage that are running in the background. Doing so can improve performance when using virtual backgrounds.