How to Flip Your Background in Microsoft Teams

The short answer

"Flipping the background" in Teams can mean two different things, and they have different fixes. If the words or logo on your virtual background look backward in your own video preview, the image probably isn't flipped. Teams typically mirrors your self-view, like a bathroom mirror, while other participants see the unmirrored image with text reading correctly. You can turn off mirroring so your preview matches what others see, but that only changes your own view. If you want the background to appear reversed to everyone, flip the image file in a photo editor and upload the flipped copy as a custom background. Teams does not appear to offer a dedicated control for flipping only the background image.

Figure out which problem you have

• Text or a logo on the background looks reversed only in your own preview: this is self-view mirroring. Others most likely see it correctly. See "Option 1."
• You want the scene itself reversed, for example to move a window or a bookshelf to the other side of the frame for everyone: flip the image file. See "Option 2."
• You use a real wall or backdrop instead of a virtual effect: the mirroring setting still affects only your own view. Changing what others see means changing the physical scene or the camera position.

Option 1: Turn off mirroring in your own preview

Use this option if you want your self-view to show what other participants see, so background text reads normally on your screen. Microsoft changes menu labels between Teams versions, and the desktop, web and mobile apps differ. The steps below describe the general path in recent desktop versions. If your labels don't match, look for a mirroring option among the camera or video settings.

• 1. Open Teams and select the Settings and more menu (the three dots near your profile picture), then choose Settings.
• 2. Open the Devices section and find the camera settings.
• 3. Look for an option named something like "Mirror my video" and switch it off.
• 4. Check the camera preview. Text on your virtual background should now read left to right.

In a meeting, you may find the same toggle in the video effects or camera settings panel. Open it from the camera options or the More menu in the meeting controls.

How you'll know it worked: background text reads correctly in your own preview, and raising your right hand shows it on the right side of your screen. This only confirms your local view changed. Other participants' view was never mirrored, so this setting doesn't change what they see.

Option 2: Flip the background image so everyone sees it reversed

Use this option when you want the background reversed for every participant. You flip the picture before Teams uses it.

• 1. Find the image you want to use. If it's one of Teams' built-in backgrounds, you'll need your own copy of a similar image, because these steps assume a file you can edit.
• 2. Open the image in any photo editor that offers a horizontal flip. Most built-in photo apps on Windows and macOS do.
• 3. Apply the horizontal flip, sometimes labeled "Flip horizontal" or "Mirror." Save the result as a new file so you keep the original.
• 4. In Teams, open the background or video effects options, either before joining a meeting or from the meeting controls.
• 5. Choose the option to add a new or custom background, select the flipped file, and apply it.
• 6. Check your preview. Remember that if mirroring is still on, your preview shows the flipped image reversed again, which can look confusing.

How you'll know it worked: the best check is from the other side of the call. Ask a colleague to describe where background elements appear, or join the same meeting from a second device signed in to a different account or as a guest. Your own preview can mislead you because of mirroring.

What these checks do and don't confirm

Seeing the correct orientation in your preview shows that Teams can access your camera and apply the effect on your device. It doesn't confirm how your video looks to others, and it doesn't test call quality. Image sharpness, how cleanly the background separates from you, and stability on a slow connection only show up in a real call. A short check with a colleague or a second device covers both orientation and overall appearance.

Limitations and gaps

• No version-specific documentation was available for this guide, so exact menu names, locations and whether the mirroring toggle exists in the web and mobile apps couldn't be confirmed.
• Supported file types and recommended image dimensions for custom backgrounds weren't verified here. If Teams rejects your file, check Microsoft's current help pages.
• Organization policies can restrict custom backgrounds. If you can't add an image, ask your IT administrator.