How to Remove Zoom Background: Full Guide

Virtual backgrounds can be fun, but they don’t always work the way we want them to. Maybe the edges blur too much, or the image just doesn’t fit the tone of your meeting. This guide will walk you through removing your Zoom background and keeping things simple.

We’ll show you how to remove a background on desktop and mobile, switch to something new, and create a custom background that fits your needs. You’ll also find helpful tips, answers to common questions, and one tool that can help you get more out of your Zoom meetings, background or not.

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How to Remove Zoom Background

Not every meeting calls for palm trees or pixelated brick walls. Here’s how to turn off your Zoom background and keep things simple.

How to remove Zoom background on desktop

To remove your Zoom background on desktop, follow these steps:

1. Open Zoom and sign in to your Zoom account.
2. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner, then select Settings.
3. In the left-hand menu, go to Background & Effects.
4. Scroll down to Virtual Backgrounds, then select None to remove your current virtual background.

If you don’t see the option, check your virtual background settings in the Zoom web portal. You may need to enable or disable virtual backgrounds at the account level first.

How to remove Zoom background on Android/iOS

Are you using Zoom on your phone or tablet? You can remove your background there, too, though the steps are slightly different.

1. Open the Zoom mobile app and join a meeting.
2. Tap More (three dots) in the bottom-right corner.
3. Select Background & Effects.
4. Tap None to remove your virtual background.

If you don’t see the Background & Effects option, ensure your device supports the virtual background feature. Older devices or outdated apps might not have this setting available. Updating your app or checking Zoom’s mobile background support page can help.

How to remove Zoom background on the web app

If you’re joining Zoom meetings from a browser, you can still remove your virtual background, though options are a bit more limited than on the desktop app.

1. Sign in at the Zoom web portal.
2. Go to Settings from the left-hand panel.
3. Under the In Meeting (Advanced) section, scroll to find Virtual background.
4. Toggle off the setting to disable virtual backgrounds completely.

This removes the option to apply any background image or video backgrounds when joining from the browser. If you're managing a team, disabling this setting through account-level controls will apply the change for all users.

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How to Change Zoom Virtual Background

Now that your background is off, you might want to switch things up instead. Zoom’s virtual background feature lets you add a bit of personality, or privacy, to your calls. Here’s how to change it and explore your options.

How to change Zoom virtual background to your own image

You can upload a personal or branded image as your new background. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Zoom desktop app and sign in.
2. Click your profile picture and go to Settings.
3. Select Background & Effects from the left menu.
4. Click the plus (+) icon next to your background options.
5. Choose Add Image, then select a JPG, PNG, or BMP file from your computer.

6. Your image will be added and set as your new background.

This option is useful if you want a consistent visual, like your company logo or a neutral office setting.

How to change Zoom virtual background to a green screen (physical or virtual)

If you have a green screen, Zoom can apply your background more precisely. You can also try the virtual green screen setting if your background is a solid color.

1. In the Zoom desktop app, go to Settings > Background & Effects.
2. Upload or select a background from the available options.
3. Enable the toggle next to “I have a green screen.”

Using a physical green screen gives the cleanest result, especially with custom or moving backgrounds.

How to change Zoom virtual background to a solid color

A solid background color is easy on the eyes and reduces distractions during Zoom meetings.

1. Open the Zoom desktop app, then go to Settings > Background & Effects.
2. Click the plus (+) icon to upload a solid color image, plain white, gray, or blue work well.
3. Select it from the list to apply it to your video.

This is a great option for a simple and neutral look without a physical setup.

How to change Zoom virtual background to a funny background

Zoom backgrounds don’t have to be boring. A funny virtual background can make meetings more relaxed and engaging.

1. Download a humorous image: think memes, pets in suits, or pop culture scenes.
2. In the Zoom desktop app, go to Settings > Background & Effects.
3. Click the plus (+) icon and choose Add Image.
4. Upload your file and select it as your active background.

Just double-check the tone of your meeting. Some settings may call for less humor and more focus.

How to change Zoom virtual background to a moving background

Want a little animation behind you? You can use short videos as Zoom backgrounds too.

1. Open the Zoom desktop app, go to Settings > Background & Effects.
2. Click the plus (+) icon and select Add Video.
3. Choose an MP4 or MOV file under 100MB from your computer.
4. Select your video from the options to apply it.

Keep animations subtle so they don’t distract from the conversation.

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How to Create a Custom Background for Zoom

Want something more polished or personal than Zoom’s default options? You can create your own virtual background with just a few tools and tips.

Know the right size

Zoom recommends that background images be 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio) for the best fit. Using the right dimensions helps avoid cropping or weird stretching. If you're creating a video background, keep it under 100MB, and use MP4 or MOV format.

Use a design tool like Canva

Canva makes it easy to create a custom background in the correct size:

1. Go to canva.com and create a new design with 1920 x 1080 px dimensions.
2. Add photos, logos, shapes, or text to your layout.
3. Download your design as a PNG or JPG file.
4. Open the Zoom desktop app and go to Settings > Background & Effects.
5. Click the plus (+) icon to upload your image.

You now have your own virtual background ready to go. With a well-made background image, your Zoom presence feels a little more thoughtful without doing much extra.

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Best Tips When Using Zoom Backgrounds

Virtual backgrounds can be helpful, but they don’t always work perfectly. These tips can make your setup look sharper and reduce distractions during Zoom meetings.

Lighting matters.

Good lighting makes a huge difference. Try facing a window or using a desk lamp so your face is evenly lit. Avoid sitting with bright light behind you, which can make your background glitchy or your face look dark.

Keep your background simple.

Whether you’re using a custom image or a funny background, keep it clean. Avoid cluttered designs or anything that takes attention away from you. Solid colors or soft gradients often work best.

Use a plain wall or green screen.

If you have a plain wall behind you, Zoom’s virtual background feature works better. For best results, use a green screen. Even a large green cloth can help reduce glitches around your hair or hands.

Check your camera angle.

Set your webcam at eye level, and make sure your head and shoulders are centered. This helps the background line up properly and keeps you looking more natural on camera.

Avoid too much motion.

If you use video backgrounds, choose something subtle. Fast-moving visuals can be distracting or cause Zoom to lag, especially on slower devices.

Test before your call.

Hop into a test meeting to check how your background looks. You can adjust lighting and background position, and even switch to another image if it doesn’t feel right.

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How to Disable Zoom Backgrounds for Participants

If you're hosting a meeting and want to keep things professional, you can disable virtual backgrounds for everyone in your Zoom account. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to avoid distractions or set a consistent tone.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the Zoom web portal and sign in.
2. In the left sidebar, click Account Settings under the Admin section.
3. Under the Meeting tab, scroll down to In Meeting (Advanced).
4. Find the setting called Virtual background and toggle it off.
5. When prompted, confirm that you want to disable virtual backgrounds for all users on your account.

Once this is done, participants won’t be able to use the virtual background option during Zoom meetings unless the setting is re-enabled.

If you want to allow only specific users to use backgrounds (like leadership or guest speakers), you can adjust those permissions in the user management section of your Zoom account.

How to Be More Productive in Your Zoom Meetings

Changing your Zoom background can help you feel more prepared, but staying focused during meetings goes beyond visuals. If you’re still scrambling to take notes or remember what someone said, it might be time to try transcription with Tactiq.

Tactiq is a powerful tool that can transcribe Zoom meetings in real time and turn conversations into action. It helps you stay present during the call and gives you everything you need to follow up after.

Here’s what you can do with Tactiq:

• Live Transcriptions: See what’s being said, as it’s said, without switching tabs or apps.
• AI Meeting Summaries: Turn transcripts into bullet points, summaries, or even follow-up emails instantly.
• Speaker Identification: Know who said what to keep roles and responsibilities clear.
• Meeting Insights: Use AI prompts to pull specific answers or next steps directly from the transcript.
• Custom AI Workflows: Automatically update tools like Notion or HubSpot, create tickets, or notify your team after meetings.
• Upload Audio & Video Files: Transcribe past meetings or voice recordings without needing to rewatch everything.
• 50+ Language Support: Great for multilingual teams or global calls.
• Quick Search: Jump to specific phrases or decisions instantly, no need to rewatch recordings.

With Tactiq, you get more than just notes. You get a full record of the conversation, customized insights, and less busywork after the meeting ends. Download the free Tactiq Chrome Extension today!

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FAQs

Why can't I remove my Zoom background?

If you don’t see the option to remove it, check your virtual background settings in the Zoom web portal. It may be disabled by your admin or unsupported on your device.

How to put a video as my Zoom background?

Go to Settings > Background & Effects, click the plus (+) icon, and select Add Video. Upload an MP4 or MOV file under 100 MB.

Can I use my own photos for Zoom backgrounds?

Yes. Click the plus (+) icon in your background settings and upload a JPG, PNG, or BMP file.

What size should my Zoom background be?

Zoom recommends 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9 ratio) for the best fit without cropping.

What file type should Zoom backgrounds be?

Images should be JPG, PNG, or BMP. For video backgrounds, use MP4 or MOV files under 100 MB.

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Wrapping Up

Zoom backgrounds are a small detail that can make a big difference. Knowing how to adjust these settings gives you more control over how you show up, whether you want to remove them completely, upload your own, or add a funny background to lighten the mood.

And if you want to do more than just look prepared, Tactiq can help you stay on top of everything discussed during Zoom meetings. It’s a tool built to keep your conversations organized and actionable, from live transcripts to AI-generated summaries and automated follow-ups.

Try Tactiq today and take the pressure off remembering every detail.