How to Use Microsoft Teams Background Effects on Mobile and iPad

Before you start

Background effects in the Teams mobile app are handled on your device through the camera view before or during a video call. You do not need a separate service or desktop session to blur the background or choose an image. Make sure the Teams app has camera permission enabled, because the effect preview cannot appear when camera access is blocked. Also check that a camera is selected in the meeting controls if your device has front and rear cameras. For iPad users, the same mobile app controls apply, but screen layout may show more of the meeting toolbar.

Step-by-step instructions

The background effect option can be applied before joining a meeting, or while you are already in a video call. The exact labels may vary slightly by app version, but the general flow is the same on iPhone, Android, and iPad.

To set an effect before joining, open the meeting invite in Teams, turn on the camera if prompted, and look for the background effects or background filter icon near the video preview. Tap it to open the background panel. The panel usually shows a blur option, available background images, and the option to add or select an image from your device. Tap an effect to preview it, then close the panel and join the meeting.

To change the effect during a meeting, tap the meeting screen to show the call controls, open the more actions or effects menu, and choose background effects. Select blur or an image just as you would before joining. The preview updates while the panel is open. If you want to remove the effect, return to the same panel and choose the option that shows no background effect.

If the background panel shows only a limited set of images, your app version or device may not include all desktop options. You can still use a stored photo when the app allows image upload. Avoid using a photo with small text or very fine detail, because the effect may look soft after compression.

Check the output

The preview in the background panel shows the most immediate result. After applying an effect, check the edges around your head, shoulders, and any chair or headset. Blur may not separate you cleanly from a background that has a similar color to your clothing, or in low lighting. If your face looks darker than the background, move toward a light source or change the camera direction.

Keep in mind that a background effect does not change the selected camera resolution or frame rate. The effect is applied to the video image after the camera produces it, so the result may appear softer than the original preview, especially on older devices or when the connection is limited. Teams may also compress video during a call, which affects both the background and the main subject.

Common problems and next steps

If the background button is missing or disabled, check camera permission in the mobile system settings and in the Teams app settings. On iPad, background effects are available in the same video call controls, but if you are using an older iPadOS version or a managed device, the option may be restricted by the organization or require an app update.

When the selected background image does not fit correctly, the problem is usually aspect ratio. Teams crops or scales an uploaded picture to fill the video frame, so a portrait image on a landscape call may be cut off at the sides. Try an image with a landscape orientation and a resolution close to the camera view. If the image appears blurry, avoid enlarging a small photo and use one with higher pixel dimensions.

For a cleaner result, improve lighting before changing effects. Position yourself so light falls evenly on your face and reduce bright lamps or windows behind you. If blur keeps missing the edges of your body, move farther from the background wall, wear clothing that contrasts with it, and keep the camera steady. Finally, close and reopen the meeting if the effect preview freezes, and confirm that the Teams app is updated to a recent version.