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

On Mac or Windows, you can use virtual backgrounds in meetings and events using the Webex Meetings desktop app. On iOS devices, you can use virtual backgrounds in meetings, events, and training sessions using the Webex Meetings mobile app.

Virtual background capabilities depend on your Webex site version:

  • WBS40.6—Blurred background on Mac

  • WBS40.7—Blurred background and background replacement on Mac and Windows

    This will be available for all WBS40.6.6 and later sites on Mac and Windows by August 4, 2020.

  • WBS40.8—Custom backgrounds on Mac and Windows

System Requirements

Mac

  • macOS High Sierra (version 10.13) or later

  • Intel Core i7 4000 series quad-core or higher processor

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

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

  • 2GB or more of VRAM for dedicated GPUs

Windows

  • Windows 8 or Windows 10 32-bit/64-bit

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

  • AMD Ryzen 5, 7, 9, or higher

  • 4 GB of RAM or more

  • 2GB or more of VRAM for dedicated GPUs

Using a virtual background increases the CPU usage of your computer and therefore may impact your battery life.

You can change your background before you join or at any time during the meeting.

Before You Join

Click Change Background and then do one of the following:

  • 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 for the virtual background, tap the + icon.

    We recommend that you use an image that's 1280x720 pixels in size or larger. Images must be in the .jpg or .png format.

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

During a Meeting

  1. In your self-view window, click the Video options icon, choose Change Virtual Background, and do one of the following:

    • 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 for the virtual background, tap the + icon.

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

For WBS39.8 sites and later, you can change your background after you join a meeting. 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.

To use virtual backgrounds for WBS40.4.12 sites and later, your site administrator only needs to select Enable virtual background in Common Site Settings. For earlier sites, they must also enable Display user avatars in the meeting client (Meetings).

System Requirements

Virtual backgrounds and background blurring are supported only on the following iOS devices:

  • iPhone 7 or later

  • iPad Pro

1

Tap 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 that's 1280x720 pixels for landscape, and 1280x1920 pixels for portrait. Images must be in the .jpg or .png format.

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

Change your video background in Webex Meetings
3

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

For WBS40.7 sites and later, you can change your background after you join a meeting. 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.

System Requirements

Virtual backgrounds and background blurring supports Android 9.0 (Pie) and later for devices that have a Snapdragon 845, Samsung Exynos 9810, or equivalent processor with eight or more cores. Your device must also have at least 3.5 GB of RAM.

1

Tap 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 that's 1280x720 pixels for landscape, and 1280x1920 pixels for portrait. Images must be in the .jpg or .png format.

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