Step-by-Step Guide to Setting MS Teams Background Outside Meetings
Ever wondered if you can set or preview your MS Teams background before a meeting starts? You can, but you need to use a quick workaround. Start a test call or click “Meet Now” to access background settings. This helps you look prepared and professional from the start.
Key Takeaways
You can choose or see your MS Teams background before meetings. Start a test call or use 'Meet Now' to do this. This helps you look ready right away.
Picking your background early hides things behind you. It keeps your space private. It also makes you look neat and professional. This can help you feel more sure of yourself.
If you have trouble with backgrounds, update Teams first. Check your picture size and format. Make your lighting better. Restart the app to fix easy problems.
MS Teams Backgrounds: What’s Possible?
Limitations and Workarounds
You might notice that MS Teams does not let you change or preview your background from the main settings menu. You can only access background options when you are about to join a meeting or during a call. This can feel confusing if you want to get ready ahead of time.
Here are some common workarounds you can use:
Start a “Meet Now” session from the Calendar tab. You do not need to invite anyone—just open the meeting window.
Use the test call feature in the device settings to quickly check your camera and background.
Join a scheduled meeting by yourself and use the pre-join screen to select or upload a background.
Keep MS Teams open with your chosen background so it stays set for your next meeting.
Use the “Background effects” or “Video effects” menu to add or preview custom images.
Tip: When you set a background in one meeting, MS Teams remembers it for future calls. This saves you time if you join meetings back-to-back.
Many users wish for a simpler way to set backgrounds outside of meetings. The current process can feel a bit clunky, but these steps help you prepare in advance.
Why Set Your Background Early?
Getting your background ready before a meeting has real benefits:
You can hide a messy room or anything you do not want others to see.
You can show off your company logo or a neat office scene to look professional.
A clean background keeps the focus on you, not what is behind you.
Planning ahead helps you feel confident and ready to join any call.
With these tips, you can make sure your MS Teams meetings always start with your best look.
How to Change Your Background in MS Teams
Changing your background in MS Teams helps you look professional and keeps your space private. You can do this on both desktop and mobile devices. Let’s walk through the steps together.
Desktop Steps
You can set your background before or during a meeting on your computer. Here’s how you do it:
Open MS Teams and go to the Calendar tab.
Click “Meet Now” and select “Start Meeting.” You don’t need to invite anyone.
Make sure your camera is turned on. Background effects only work when the camera is active.
Look for the “Background Filters” or “Effects and avatars” button. Click it to open the background settings.
Pick a background from the list. If you want to use your own image, click “Add New” or “More video effects.”
Preview your choice in the video window. If you like it, close the settings pane.
Your background will stay set for future meetings until you change it again.
Tip: If you join a meeting, you can also change your background by clicking “More” on the meeting bar, then “Effects and avatars.” Preview and apply your favorite look.
Mobile Steps
You can change your background on your phone or tablet, but there are a few differences from desktop.
Before joining a meeting:
Open the MS Teams app on your Android or iOS device.
Tap the meeting link or go to the Calendar tab and select your meeting.
In the camera preview, tap “Change background.”
Choose a background from the options or tap “+” to add your own image.
Tap “Apply” or “Done,” then join the meeting.
During a meeting:
Tap the screen to show controls.
Tap the three-dot menu (bottom right).
Select “Change background.”
Pick a background or upload a new one.
Note: Mobile devices may have fewer background choices. Some older phones or tablets might not support background effects. For best results, use the latest version of iOS or Android.
Uploading Custom Backgrounds
Want to use your own image? You can upload custom backgrounds in MS Teams. Here’s what you need to know:
Recommended resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio).
File size: Between 100 KB and 2 MB works best. Try to keep images under 8 MB.
On desktop, click “Add New” in the background settings and select your image.
On mobile, tap “Add new” when changing backgrounds during a meeting.
If you run into problems, check that your image meets the size and format rules. PNG files often work better than JPG because they avoid rotation issues.
Tip: For desktop users, you can also place your image in the “Microsoft\MSTeams\Backgrounds\Uploads” folder on your computer. Restart MS Teams to see your new background.
Saving for Future Meetings
MS Teams remembers your last selected background. When you set a background before or during a meeting, it stays active for your next calls. You don’t need to set it every time unless you want to change it.
Choose your background before joining a meeting using the pre-join screen.
Your background will show up in future meetings until you pick a new one.
Note: If you use MS Teams on mobile, your chosen background stays the same for all meetings until you change it. On desktop, the background persists across sessions, making it easy to keep a consistent look.
If you want everyone in your company to use the same background, your IT admin can set a default for all users. This helps teams look unified and professional.
Troubleshooting and Tips
Common Issues
You might run into a few bumps when setting your background in MS Teams. Here are some of the most common problems:
The background option is missing or grayed out.
Custom images fail to upload, or you see an error like "Couldn't upload image."
Your face or body blends into the background, creating a "ghosting" effect.
The image looks blurry, mirrored, or low quality.
Images in chat do not load or show a blank screen.
If you face these issues, try these steps:
Make sure your camera is uncovered and turned on. Sometimes a camera cover or disabled camera causes the background feature to disappear.
Update MS Teams to the latest version. Outdated apps can miss new features.
Clear the Teams cache by closing the app and deleting the Teams folder in your computer’s app data.
Update your graphics drivers and restart your device.
Check your image format and size. Use JPG, PNG, or BMP files under 8 MB.
Improve your lighting and sit in front of a plain background to reduce ghosting.
If you still have trouble, contact your IT admin or Teams support.
Tip: If your custom image does not appear right away, restart Teams. Sometimes the app needs a fresh start to show new backgrounds.
Choosing Effective Backgrounds
Picking the right background helps you look sharp and keeps meetings focused. Here are some quick tips:
Match your background to the meeting. Use a simple office scene for work calls and something creative for brainstorming.
Avoid backgrounds that blend with your clothes or skin tone.
Choose high-quality, uncluttered images. Low-res or busy pictures can distract others.
Add your company logo if you want to show off your brand, but keep it subtle.
Test your background before meetings. Make sure you are clearly visible and nothing looks odd.
Use the blur feature if you need to hide clutter fast.
Download backgrounds from trusted sources to avoid surprises.
A clean, professional background helps everyone focus on you—not what’s behind you.
You can set your MS Teams background in advance by starting a quick meeting, using the preview, and applying your favorite look. Many users blur their background to stay focused. Try these steps, share your own tips, and help others look their best in every call!
FAQ
Can I set a background in Teams without starting a meeting?
No, you need to start a test call or a "Meet Now" session to access background settings.
Why is my custom background not showing up?
Your image might be too large or in the wrong format.
Try using a JPG or PNG under 8 MB.
Will Teams remember my background for the next meeting?
Yes! Teams keeps your last background. You do not need to set it again unless you want to change it.