How to set a virtual background in Zoom

Add a custom background in Zoom on desktop or mobile in a couple of minutes. Covers Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android, with image specs, the mirroring fix and troubleshooting.

Make a Zoom backdrop with your logo →

Zoom background image requirements

Recommended size

1920 × 1080 px

Aspect ratio

16:9

Formats

JPG, PNG

Max file size

15 MB

A Wallogo backdrop is a 1920×1080 JPG, so it fits without cropping. Zoom also takes MP4 or MOV video backgrounds.

Desktop (Windows & Mac)

You can set your Zoom background before joining a meeting (from Settings) or during a call.

1

Open Zoom settings

Open the Zoom Workplace desktop app and sign in. Click your profile picture in the top-right corner, then click Settings.

Zoom step 1: Open Zoom settings

Tip: Update Zoom first. Older versions use different menu names.

2

Go to Video & effects

In the Settings window, click Video & effects in the left sidebar. This is where blur, backgrounds and filters live.

Zoom step 2: Go to Video & effects

Tip: Older versions call this tab Background & effects.

3

Open Virtual backgrounds

Make sure the Virtual backgrounds tab is selected. You'll see blur, Zoom's own backgrounds and any images you've added before.

Zoom step 3: Open Virtual backgrounds

Tip: If the tab is missing, your account admin may have turned virtual backgrounds off in the Zoom web portal.

4

Add your background

Click the + icon next to the thumbnails, choose Add image, and pick your backdrop file (for a Wallogo backdrop, the 1920×1080 JPG you downloaded).

Zoom step 4: Add your background

Tip: If Zoom asks to download the package for virtual background without a green screen, say yes.

5

Select it

Your image appears in the list. Click it to apply it. The preview shows how it looks with your camera.

Zoom step 5: Select it

Tip: Light from the front helps Zoom separate you from the background.

6

Check it in a meeting

Start a test meeting to see it in action. Zoom keeps the background for your next meetings until you change it.

Zoom step 6: Check it in a meeting

Tip: Your own preview may look mirrored. Other people see your logo the right way round.

Change background during a Zoom meeting

Already in a call? You can switch your background without leaving:

  1. Click the ^ arrow next to the Video button.
  2. Click Video & effect settings (in some versions, Choose virtual background).
  3. Pick an existing background, or click + to add a new one.
  4. Close the panel. Your background changes straight away.

Mobile (iPhone, iPad & Android)

On mobile, you set the background during a meeting. On iPhone, recent versions of the app also let you set it beforehand: profile picture → Settings → Video & effects → Background & effects.

1

Join or start a meeting

Open the Zoom app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device and join or start a meeting. Save your backdrop image to your phone first.

2

Tap More (···)

During the meeting, tap More in the meeting controls.

3

Open Virtual backgrounds

Tap Settings, then Virtual backgrounds. On some versions this is called Background & effects.

4

Add your image

Tap + and pick your backdrop from your photos. It applies straight away. Tap the close icon to go back to the meeting.

Mirroring & flipped text in Zoom

Zoom mirrors your self-view by default so logos and text appear backwards to you. Other participants always see your background correctly. You can disable mirroring in Settings → Video → uncheck 'Mirror my video'.

Your self-view

Mirrored (flipped)

What others see

Correct (not flipped)

Disable mirroring?

Yes

How to disable mirroring: Settings → Video → uncheck 'Mirror my video'

Do you need a green screen?

Short answer: no. Zoom removes your real background without a green screen on most modern computers.

  • •Older hardware: On older computers, Zoom may only offer virtual backgrounds with a green screen.
  • •Poor lighting: A green screen helps when your room has uneven or dim lighting.
  • •Hair and fine edges: Green screens produce cleaner edges around hair and accessories.

To turn on green screen mode: Settings → Video & effects → Virtual backgrounds → check "I have a green screen".

Troubleshooting

Virtual background option is greyed out or missing

Your computer may not meet Zoom's requirements. Update Zoom and your graphics drivers, or try I have a green screen. Some admins turn this feature off.

Background flickers or has a halo around you

Improve your light: face a window or use a lamp in front of you. Sit in front of a plain wall, close heavy apps, and avoid clothes in the same colour as your background.

Background doesn't show in a meeting

The host or your admin may have turned virtual backgrounds off. In the Zoom web app, use the ^ arrow next to Start Video → Choose Background; if you can't add images there, use the desktop app.

Image is stretched or cropped

Your image isn't 16:9. Use a 1920×1080 image, like the JPG you download from Wallogo.

Zoom virtual background FAQ

What image size should I use for a Zoom virtual background?▼
Match your camera: for a normal 16:9 webcam, use 1920×1080 or 1280×720 pixels. Zoom takes JPG and PNG images up to 15 MB. Wallogo backdrops are 1920×1080 JPGs, so they fit as they are.
Do I need a green screen for Zoom virtual backgrounds?▼
No. Zoom removes your real background without a green screen on most modern computers. A green screen still helps on older computers or in poor light.
Why does my Zoom background look mirrored or flipped?▼
Zoom mirrors your own preview by default. Only you see it that way; everyone else sees your background the right way round. To turn it off: Settings → Video & effects → uncheck Mirror my video.
Why is the virtual background option missing in Zoom?▼
Your computer may not meet Zoom's requirements, or your organisation's admin has turned the feature off. Update Zoom and your graphics drivers, try the I have a green screen option, or ask your admin.
Can I use a virtual background on Zoom mobile?▼
Yes, on recent iPhones, iPads and Android phones. In a meeting, tap More → Settings → Virtual backgrounds, then + to add your image.
How do I get a Zoom background with my company logo?▼
Type your website on Wallogo. In about 8 seconds you get a photoreal office with your logo as a 3D sign on the wall. Download it as a 1920×1080 JPG and add it to Zoom with the steps above.

Related platform guides

Microsoft Teams

4 min

Google Meet

4 min

Webex

3 min

Want a Zoom background with your logo on the wall?

Type your website. In about 8 seconds you get a photoreal office with your logo as a 3D sign. 5 free tries a day.

Make your Zoom backdropSee examples