How to Blur Background in Zoom

Whether you’re working from home, in a bustling office, or somewhere less ideal, you might have times when your background isn’t what you want others to see. Zoom has a fantastic feature that lets you blur your background, so you can keep the focus on you and maintain a professional appearance no matter where you are.

This article will take you through everything you need to know to blur your background on Zoom, from setup to troubleshooting, and why it’s one of the best features for staying focused in a virtual world.

Does Everyone Use Blur Background in Zoom?

The demand for virtual meeting tools has skyrocketed, with over 300 million daily meeting participants on Zoom alone as of 2021. In surveys, 89% of remote workers report that a professional, distraction-free background helps them feel more engaged during meetings.

Additionally, 75% of participants in professional meetings say they are more focused when background distractions are minimized, demonstrating the impact that tools like background blur can have on productivity and focus.

How to Blur Background in Zoom – Why Use the Blur Background Feature?

Zoom’s background blur option is a simple but effective tool for many situations, and it’s becoming increasingly popular. Did you know that 82% of remote workers report distractions from their home environment during virtual meetings? Blurring your background eliminates the visual noise, allowing you to focus on the conversation and maintain a sense of professionalism.

Here are just a few reasons why blurring your background on Zoom can be helpful:

• Whether it’s your home or an office space, there might be things in the background that you don’t want others to see. Blurring your background keeps these out of focus, maintaining your privacy.
• A cluttered background can be distracting for others on the call. The blurred background keeps the focus on you, helping the meeting stay on track.
• Not everyone has a perfectly tidy or neutral background. Blurring can make any setting look more polished, which is particularly valuable for business or client-facing calls.

How to Blur Background in Zoom (Desktop)

Before we dive into the details, make sure your Zoom desktop client is updated. Background blur is available in Zoom version 5.5.0 and higher, so if you don’t see the option, an update may be in order.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to blurring your background on Zoom from your desktop:

1. Open Zoom: Launch the Zoom app on your desktop and sign in to your account.
2. Go to Settings: Click on the gear icon in the top right corner of the screen to open your settings.
3. Choose “Background & Effects”: In the left-hand menu, select “Background & Effects.” This section allows you to customize your video background.
4. Select “Blur”: Under “Virtual Backgrounds,” you’ll see an option labeled “Blur.” Click on it, and your background will instantly blur, while you remain in focus.
5. Join or Start a Meeting: Once you’ve selected “Blur,” you can join or start a meeting, and your background will automatically appear blurred to other participants.

How to Blur Background in Zoom (Mobile)

Zoom also offers background blurring on mobile devices, which is perfect if you’re on the go. Here’s how to do it on your mobile device:

1. Open the Zoom App: Open Zoom on your mobile device and log in.
2. Join a Meeting: Either join a meeting or start one on your own.
3. Tap “More”: While in the meeting, tap on the “More” button (three dots) in the bottom right corner.
4. Select “Background & Filters”: Choose “Background & Filters” from the menu options.
5. Choose “Blur”: Just like on desktop, you’ll see the “Blur” option here. Tap it, and your background will immediately blur.

Tip: While background blur is available on many devices, older models may not support this feature due to limited processing power.

Benefits of Using Background Blur Over Virtual Backgrounds

While Zoom offers a range of virtual backgrounds, background blur is particularly useful because virtual backgrounds can sometimes look artificial or distracting. The blurred background is a simple, subtle way to keep your space private without adding visual distractions.

Background blur generally requires less processing power than virtual backgrounds with images, meaning it’s less likely to glitch. This is particularly important if you’re on a weaker connection.

Blurring your background takes only seconds, so if you’re short on time, this is an easy way to create a professional look without fussing with images.

How to Blur Background in Zoom Without Issues: Troubleshooting

Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned. Here are a few common issues users encounter with background blur on Zoom, and how to fix them.

Blur Option Not Showing Up

Solution: Ensure your Zoom app is updated to version 5.5.0 or later, as background blur is not available on older versions. Some older devices or low-spec computers may not support background blur. Check Zoom’s support page for hardware requirements if you’re unsure.

Blur Effect Looks Patchy

Solution: Ensure you’re in good lighting, as background blur relies on contrast to distinguish you from your surroundings. Poor lighting can make the blur look uneven or patchy.

Background Blur Drains Battery on Mobile

Solution: Background blur can consume more battery on mobile devices due to increased processing power. If your battery is low, consider finding a neutral background instead.

Unwanted Artifacts or Glitches

Solution: Try improving your internet connection. A stable connection allows for smoother processing and fewer glitches. Additionally, closing any other applications that may be using your device’s processing power can help.

How to Blur Background in Zoom Professionally: Background Blur Etiquette

Using background blur effectively also means using it appropriately. Here are some quick tips to ensure your background blur is well-received.

In more formal settings, it may be courteous to inform colleagues that you’re using background blur for privacy or to minimize distractions. For team meetings or casual calls, background blur is a great option. For client-facing calls, you might consider a simple virtual background that reflects your company’s brand.

If you’re using background blur for the first time in an important meeting, do a quick test to make sure it works as expected and that there are no visual glitches.

Other Tips for Looking Professional on Zoom

While background blur is a fantastic tool, there are additional ways to ensure you look your best on Zoom:

• Natural light or a soft lamp can make a huge difference. Poor lighting can cast shadows, which may interfere with background blur or virtual backgrounds.
• Position your camera at eye level, so you’re looking directly at it. This angle is both flattering and engaging.
• Just because you’re remote doesn’t mean you shouldn’t dress professionally. Aim for solid colors that contrast well with your background.
• If you have pets or children around, try to minimize interruptions. Background blur can only do so much to mask movement!

Why Background Blur is Here to Stay

With more companies adopting remote and hybrid work models, features like background blur have become essential. This tool offers a simple way to create a polished, professional look without the need for a dedicated office space.

According to surveys, 70% of professionals believe that virtual meeting tools with enhanced privacy features, such as background blur, will continue to be important in a post-pandemic world.

For Zoom and Eyre, these features aren’t just a trend—they’re part of the future of work.

Final Thoughts: How to Blur Background in Zoom

Learning how to blur your background in Zoom is a quick and easy way to ensure that you look professional and stay focused in virtual meetings.

Whether you’re working from a bustling home environment, on the road, or from an unconventional location, this feature keeps the focus on you—not your surroundings.

With Zoom’s user-friendly blur feature, you can maintain privacy, reduce distractions, and present a polished image in just a few clicks.

So, the next time you join a Zoom call, give background blur a try. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it makes!