How to Blur Background in Webex on Desktop

Blurring your background in Webex Meetings or Webex App on desktop hides your physical surroundings behind a soft, professional blur. It’s useful when you’re in a messy room, want privacy, or just prefer a cleaner look on video calls. This guide walks you through the steps for both before and during a meeting, plus tips and fixes for when the blur option isn’t working.

What You’ll Need

• A desktop version of Webex Meetings or Webex App (Windows or Mac). The blur feature is not available in the browser version.
• A webcam that is properly connected and recognized by Webex.
• A reasonably modern computer—blur uses some processing power, but most laptops from the last 5 years handle it fine.
• If you’re in a meeting, the host may need to allow participants to use video effects. If the option is grayed out, check with the host.

Step-by-Step

Before a Meeting (in Webex Meetings)

1. Open the Webex Meetings desktop app and sign in.
2. Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner of the main window.
3. In the Settings window, select Video from the left sidebar.
4. Under “Background,” you’ll see a preview of your camera feed. Click the Blur option (it looks like a person with a dotted background).
5. Close Settings. Your background will be blurred for all future meetings until you change it.

During a Meeting (in Webex Meetings)

1. Join or start a meeting.
2. Click the video camera icon in the meeting controls at the bottom of the screen to open the video menu.
3. Select Change Background (or “Background” depending on your version).
4. Choose Blur from the list of options.
5. Your background will blur immediately. To turn it off, repeat and select None or a custom image.

Using Webex App (the newer all-in-one app)

1. Open the Webex App on your desktop.
2. Click your profile picture or initials in the top-left corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Go to Video.
5. Under “Background,” choose Blur.
6. During a call, you can also click the three-dot menu in the call controls, select Background, and pick Blur.

Common Mistakes

• Using the browser version: Webex in a web browser doesn’t support background blur. You must use the desktop app.
• Not updating Webex: Older versions may lack the blur feature. Update to the latest version from the official Webex website.
• Choosing “None” instead of “Blur”: Make sure you actually select the blur option, not just “None” or a custom image.
• Expecting blur during a phone call: Blur only works when your video is on. If you’re on an audio-only call, you won’t see the option.
• Forgetting to check host settings: In some meetings, the host may restrict video effects. If you can’t select blur, ask the host to enable it.

Tips

• Use good lighting: Blur works better when your face is well-lit and contrasts with the background. Avoid sitting directly in front of a bright window.
• Keep your camera steady: If you move around a lot, the blur may flicker. Try to stay relatively still.
• Test before an important call: Set your background before joining a meeting to avoid fumbling during the first few minutes.
• Combine with a virtual background: You can also upload a custom image instead of blur, but blur is often more professional and doesn’t require an image file.
• Close other heavy apps: Blur uses CPU. If your computer is slow, close unnecessary programs to keep video smooth.

Troubleshooting

Blur option is grayed out or missing

• Make sure you’re using the desktop app, not a browser.
• Update Webex to the latest version.
• Check if your computer meets the minimum system requirements (Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.14 or later).
• Restart Webex and try again.

Blur isn’t working during a meeting

• Check if your video is on. Blur only applies when your camera is active.
• Look for the “Change Background” icon in the meeting controls—it might be hidden under the three-dot “More” menu.
• If you’re using a virtual background image, switch to Blur explicitly.

Blur looks choppy or flickers

• Lower your video resolution in Settings > Video (e.g., from 1080p to 720p) to reduce processing load.
• Close other applications that use the camera or heavy CPU.
• Make sure your background isn’t too busy—a plain wall blurs more smoothly.

Blur works on my laptop but not on my external camera

• Some external webcams may not support background effects. Try your built-in camera or update the webcam driver.

I can’t find the Settings gear icon

• In Webex Meetings, the gear icon is in the top-right corner of the main window. If you don’t see it, click your profile picture and select “Settings.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I blur my background in the Webex mobile app?

Yes, the mobile app (iOS/Android) has a blur option, but this guide is for desktop. On mobile, tap your video tile during a meeting and select “Background” then “Blur.”

Does blurring my background affect video quality?

It can slightly reduce overall video clarity because the background is intentionally blurred, but your face remains sharp. The processing may also use a bit more CPU, but most users don’t notice a difference.

Can I use blur and a virtual background at the same time?

No, you can only choose one. Blur is a type of background effect, so it replaces any custom image.

Why don’t I see the blur option even though I’m on the desktop app?

Your Webex version might be outdated, or your computer may not meet the system requirements. Update Webex and check that your OS is supported. Also, the host may have disabled video effects for the meeting.

Will the blur option stay on for my next meeting?

Yes, once you set it in Settings, it remains until you change it. If you set it during a meeting, it might only apply to that meeting, depending on your version.

Can I blur my background if I’m sharing my screen?

Yes, screen sharing doesn’t affect your video background. You can blur your background while sharing your screen, but note that the shared content will be visible to others, not your background.

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