How to use virtual backgrounds on Google Meet

Google Meet began supporting virtual backgrounds in 2020 In 2021, it expanded this feature to allow users to use videos as well as images as backgrounds. Videos look far more realistic, allowing you to stay professional and smarten your surroundings – or to sprinkle some fun into your calls!

Here’s how to change or add a new background (image or video) in Google Meet:

Before a call

Important: if you are not logged into a Google account or if you need to knock to be admitted into a call, you can only change your background once in the video call (see instructions further down).

1. Click “Join meeting”
2. In the preview screen, click the “Change background” icon in the bottom right
   

   

   
   If on Android mobile, click the stars icon. If you can’t see a “Change background” option, please check that your system and browser meet these requirements
3. In the backgrounds window, select the image or video you’d like to use as your background
   

   

4. To upload a new image or video background, click the “+” (“Use image from disk”) icon
   

   

   
   NB: On mobile, you cannot add new images and videos
5. Locate and select the image or video file you’d like to use as a background
   

   

   
   Tip: If using Ubuntu, if you can’t see your desired file in the expected folder, change the filter in the bottom right from ‘customized files’ to ‘all files’
6. Once selected, click “Open”
7. Your image or video will now appear as your background
8. Click “Ask to join” or “Join meeting” to enter the call

NB: If you set up an instant meeting, there will be no preview. In this case, follow the instructions below.

During a call

To add or change a virtual background during a call:

1. Click “⋮“ (3 vertical dots) at the bottom of the screen
   

   

   
   If on Android mobile, click the stars icon
2. In the menu, click “Change background”
   

   

3. Follow steps 3-7 above

Tip: If you set up an instant call there will be no preview screen before you join it. However, you can join and change your background settings (using the instructions below) before inviting others to the call.

Find new backgrounds

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