Customizing the visual backdrop during video calls for privacy or presentation
If the school meeting does not allow backgrounds, a background cannot be added from the meeting controls.
In Teams for Education, custom background upload is only available if the school has it enabled. If that option is blocked, the meeting or school policy is restricting it.
What can still be tried:
- Join the meeting and turn the camera on.
- On the pre-join screen, select Effects and avatars or Background filters.
- Check whether Blur is available.
- If + Add new is available, select it and upload a .JPG, .PNG, or .BMP image.
- If those options are missing or disabled, the setting is controlled by the school and must be changed by the IT admin.
For admins, Teams policies can restrict video effects or require only organization-uploaded backgrounds:
- In Teams admin center > Meetings > Meeting Policies > Audio and Video, Participants can use video effects can be set to Off or Only background blur.
- In Meetings > Customization policies > Meeting backgrounds, admins can require specific uploaded backgrounds.