---
title: "Enable virtual backgrounds in meetings"
slug: "content-enable-virtual-backgrounds-in-meetings"
updated: 2026-07-23T10:07:29Z
published: 2026-07-23T10:07:29Z
canonical: "help.8x8.com/content-enable-virtual-backgrounds-in-meetings"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.8x8.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Enable virtual backgrounds in meetings

> [!NOTE]
> Note:
> 
> This feature is available to participants joining via desktop app or desktop browser, but not via mobile.

## Enable virtual backgrounds in meetings

Let’s say you’re sharing video from a location where people or objects in the background could prove distracting; 8x8 Meet enables you to use virtual backgrounds! Select from a preset background image, add a background image of your own, or simply blur your real-world background. Your chosen background remains selected across future meetings until you select a different background option.

**To enable virtual backgrounds:**

1. In a meeting, click **More actions** ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/e3a59e39-abd3-4423-964c-0a4008dc5673/Images/Documentation/icon-more_18x18.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-03T21%3A12%3A58Z&se=2026-11-03T22%3A12%3A58Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=DMefIuSyX%2BEVBgz97o9Din6BkB%2Bh4WqddrTkNAbcZDc%3D) to open a menu of advanced meeting controls and options. ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/e3a59e39-abd3-4423-964c-0a4008dc5673/Images/Documentation/control-bar-more.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-03T21%3A12%3A58Z&se=2026-11-03T22%3A12%3A58Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=DMefIuSyX%2BEVBgz97o9Din6BkB%2Bh4WqddrTkNAbcZDc%3D)
2. From the menu, click **Select background** to open a selection prompt with a preview of how your video will look to other participants.
3. At the prompt, select:
  - **Add background**: Upload an image from your computer to use as your virtual background. Once an image is uploaded, it’s available to use in future meetings. To remove an uploaded image, click a background option other than that image, then hover over the image and click **X** next to it.
  - **Blur**/**Slight blur**: Blur the background visible behind you.
  - **An image**: Replace your background with the selected image.
4. Click **Apply** to confirm your selection. Your chosen background remains selected across future meetings until you select a different background option.

**To remove virtual backgrounds:**

1. In a meeting with a virtual background enabled, click **More actions**![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/e3a59e39-abd3-4423-964c-0a4008dc5673/Images/Documentation/icon-more_18x18.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-03T21%3A12%3A58Z&se=2026-11-03T22%3A12%3A58Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=DMefIuSyX%2BEVBgz97o9Din6BkB%2Bh4WqddrTkNAbcZDc%3D) to open a menu of advanced meeting controls and options. ![](https://cdn.us.document360.io/e3a59e39-abd3-4423-964c-0a4008dc5673/Images/Documentation/control-bar-more.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-03T21%3A12%3A58Z&se=2026-11-03T22%3A12%3A58Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=DMefIuSyX%2BEVBgz97o9Din6BkB%2Bh4WqddrTkNAbcZDc%3D)
2. From the menu, click **Select background**.
3. At the prompt, click **None** to remove your virtual background.
4. Click **Apply** to confirm your selection.