Google Meet is quickly becoming the go-to tool for virtual meetings, allowing users to easily connect for business, education, and personal use. One of its key features is the ability to customise your Google Meet background—whether by blurring it, using preset images, or uploading your own virtual backgrounds.

Table of Contents

1. Why Use Backgrounds in Google Meet?
2. How to Blur Your Background in Google Meet
3. How to Change Your Background in Google Meet
4. Google Meet Background Requirements
5. Troubleshooting: Common Issues with Google Meet Backgrounds
6. Summary

Why Use Backgrounds in Google Meet?

Customising your background on Google Meet is a great way to enhance privacy, reduce distractions, or simply make your meetings more professional and visually appealing. Whether you’re working from home or managing a busy office, backgrounds offer a way to control what others see during your calls.

How to Blur Your Background in Google Meet

To create a subtle yet effective change, blurring your background is ideal. Here's how to do it:

1. Join a Google Meet or start a new one.
2. Click the video icon at the bottom of your screen, then select the person-in-frame icon.

3. In the backgrounds tab, you can hoose either a light blur or a more intense one.

This option helps maintain focus on you while keeping any distractions out of sight.

How to Change Your Background in Google Meet

If you prefer a more dynamic option, you can change your background to one of Google’s preset images or upload your own. Here’s how:

1. Join a Google Meet or start a new one.
2. Click the video icon at the bottom of your screen, then select the person-in-frame icon.
3. You can choose from the available Google Meet backgrounds, including cityscapes, nature, and office settings.
4. To use your own image, click on the ‘+’ symbol to upload an image from your device.

You can find free background images at resources like Unsplash or Pexels.

Google Meet Background Requirements

To use these features smoothly, your system needs to meet certain requirements. Here are the key technical specifications:

1. Browser: Google Meet backgrounds work best on Google Chrome (version 87 or later), Firefox, Edge, and Safari.
2. Operating System: Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. On mobile, the feature is available through the Google Meet app for iOS and Android.
3. Hardware: Ensure your device has a dual-core processor or better to avoid lags or disruptions.
4. Camera: A functional webcam or built-in camera is necessary for using background features.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues with Google Meet Backgrounds

Sometimes, users encounter difficulties when applying backgrounds. Here are some solutions to common issues:

• Background not showing up: Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version and that your device meets the hardware requirements.
• Blurry video with virtual backgrounds: This can happen if your lighting is poor. Try improving the lighting in your room or reducing the complexity of your background.
• Slow performance: Using virtual backgrounds requires more processing power. Close any unnecessary programs running in the background.

Summary

Customising your Google Meet background is a quick and easy way to enhance your video calls. Whether you choose to blur your background or select a custom virtual image, these features help create a more professional and distraction-free environment for your meetings.

Need more help with Google Workspace? Get in touch with Cobry’s experts today for tailored support and guidance!