By Convo Team • Published April 10, 2026 • Last updated April 10, 2026
To blur your background on Zoom: open Settings > Background & Effects > select Blur. During a meeting, click the up arrow next to Stop Video and select 'Blur My Background.' Works on desktop (Windows/Mac) and mobile (iPhone 8+, recent Android).
How to Blur Your Background on Zoom
Desktop, mobile, during a meeting, and what to do when it's not working.
Quick answer: Open Settings → Background & Effects → click Blur. During a meeting, click the ^ arrow next to Stop Video and select “Blur My Background”.
Three ways to blur your Zoom background
Before Meeting
- 1. Open Zoom → click your profile picture
- 2. Click Settings
- 3. Go to Background & Effects
- 4. Click the Blur thumbnail
During Meeting
- 1. Click the ^ arrow next to Stop Video
- 2. Select “Blur My Background”
- 3. Or click “Choose Virtual Background” → Blur
Mobile
- 1. Join or start a meeting
- 2. Tap More (•••)
- 3. Tap Background & Effects
- 4. Select Blur
System requirements
Background blur needs enough processing power to separate you from the background in real time.
Desktop
- • Windows: Zoom 5.5+, 4th gen Intel i5 or higher (or AMD equivalent)
- • Mac: Zoom 5.5+, macOS 10.13+, Intel i5 4th gen+ or Apple Silicon
- • Linux: Zoom 5.7.6+, dual-core 2GHz+, 4GB RAM
Mobile
- • iOS: iPhone 8+ or iPad 5th gen+
- • Android: Device with 8+ cores, 3GB+ RAM
- • Zoom mobile app version 5.6.6+
Blur not working? Try these fixes
Update Zoom to the latest version
Background blur was added in Zoom 5.5. Click your profile picture > Check for Updates. Many blur issues resolve with a simple update.
Check your processor
Zoom disables blur on unsupported hardware. Go to Settings > Background & Effects — if the Blur option is grayed out, your device may not meet the minimum requirements.
Close other apps
Blur is CPU-intensive. If you're running video editing software, multiple browser tabs, or other heavy apps, close them to free up processing power.
Restart Zoom
Sometimes the blur setting doesn't apply until you restart the app. Quit Zoom completely (not just close the window) and reopen it.
Use a virtual background instead
If blur consistently causes lag, try a static virtual background image. It uses less processing power and still hides your environment.
Blur vs. virtual background: which should you use?
| Background Blur | Virtual Background | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Professional calls, client meetings | Team calls, casual meetings, branding |
| Looks like | Natural, subtle, depth-of-field effect | Replaced background (can look artificial) |
| CPU usage | Moderate | Lower (static image) |
| Green screen needed? | No | Recommended for best results |
| Edge quality | Good — gradual fade looks natural | Can have visible cutout artifacts |
Related Zoom guides
Frequently asked questions
Focus on the conversation, not the background
Convo captures your Zoom meetings with AI-powered notes, action items, and follow-up emails — so you can blur the background and stay present.