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You can no longer blur your background in Skype: Microsoft retired the consumer Skype service on May 5, 2025. Microsoft directs former Skype users to Teams Free, where personal-use calls and meetings support background blur. Here’s how to use it before joining or once a call is underway.
Microsoft’s retirement notice also replaces the old Skype background-customization help page.
Blur your background in Teams Free on desktop
Before joining
- Find the meeting and select Join to open the pre-join screen.
- Select Video effects or Change background.
- Choose Blur, then select Join now.
If the background-effects control is gray, turn on your camera. The exact label can vary with the device and app version.
During a call or meeting
- Select More actions.
- Choose Video effects and settings or Change background.
- Select Blur, preview it if that option is available, and apply the effect.
Blur your background in Teams Free on mobile
Before joining
- Open the meeting setup screen.
- Tap Background effects and choose the blurred effect.
- Tap Done, then join the meeting.
During a call or meeting
- Tap More actions, then Change background.
- Choose blur and tap Done.
Microsoft’s instructions cover Teams personal use. Controls may differ by app version or device, and identical availability across all account types and regions is not established. If you do not see the control, check that your camera is on and look for the background-effects option in the pre-join screen or call controls.
#1 Best Overall
- 【1080P FULL HD Webcam】 OBSBOT Meet 1080P Webcam integrates Sony 1/2.8" CMOS sensor, significantly upgrades the video camera's sensitivity to light, capturing vivid details and clear high-quality video even in low-light conditions. With 2X digital zoom, it make you to show more expansive and detailed content in videos.
- 【AI-Powered Auto Framing & Adjustable FOV】OBSBOT MEET 1080P Conference Camera integrates our advanced AI algorithm, enabling the webcam for PC automatically frame you based on your environment, keeping you centered and in focus at all times, it's also suitable for multi-person situations. With ultra-wide 86° FOV, making you present a better effect during the video call.
- 【One-Tap Background Blur & Professional APP】OBSBOT MEET 1080P Webcam is designed with a background blurring function button. Double-clicking the button will directly blur your environmental background in the video conference. With our APP, you can customize background images to protect your privacy and make your live streaming more entertaining.
- 【Low-Light Correction & Noise Cancelling Mics】The HDR of OBSBOT Meet 1080P Webcam brings balanced light, true shadows and clear outlines, fine highlights and automatic exposure. Your video stream looks great against any background and in any light. Equipped with dual noise-canceling omni-directional mics, MEET 1080P Streaming Camera performs better than any brand of webcam in video streaming.
- 【Excellent Compatibility & Privacy Mode】OBSBOT MEET 1080P Webcam has excellent compatibility and can be applied to a variety of devices and software. MEET 1080P Webcam for Skype/Zoom/FaceTime/Hangouts, /PC/Mac/Laptop/Tablet, etc. Strong privacy with privacy cover/background replacement/custom sleep mode.
What to know about blur, privacy, and performance
Blur is a visual effect, not a privacy guarantee. Microsoft cautions that blurring or replacing a background may not prevent sensitive information from being visible to others in the call. Check the camera view and remove or cover anything you do not want shown.
Microsoft says Teams personal-use backgrounds and AR filters require at least 2 GB of RAM and a dual-core processor from 2018 or newer. Low frame rates can reflect computer performance or insufficient hardware resources; those specifications should not be treated as a universal requirement for every blur feature, nor does meeting them guarantee smooth performance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Unmatched 4K Streaming Quality - The EMEET S600 streaming camera boasts a high-definition 4K sony 1/2.55'' sensor, delivering crisp, clear images far exceeding typical webcam quality. With versatile resolution options, enjoy stunning 4K at 30FPS or smooth 1080P at 60FPS. Ideal for aspiring streamers, game streaming, and content creation, this 4K webcam ensures exceptional experience for you and your audience. Note: Video resolution depends on built-in camera software or apps like PotPlayer/OBS.
- Advanced PDAF Autofocus & Light Balance – 4K webcam S600's PDAF(Phase Detection Autofocus) tech offers significant advantages over common autofocus such as faster speed, higher precision, and more stable performance in various scenes features. Its auto light adjustment capability balances shadows and highlights even in low-light environments, keeping every detail sharp and clear on screen, making it ideal for content creators and live streamers who demand top-tier performance and visual quality.
- Enhanced Audio Clarity & Customizable FOV - The EMEET S600 4K streaming webcam is equipped with premium microphones that use a proprietary algorithm to filter out background noise and capture your voice with exceptional clarity. Noise-canceling feature is enabled by default but can be turned off through the EMEETLINK software. At 1080P, the FOV adjusts 40°-73°, allowing you to focus on you and surroundings, while at 4K, it’s fixed at 73° for better image quality and less distortion.
- Integrated Privacy Cover & Rugged Design - The 4K webcam for streaming boasts a built-in privacy cover right on the lens, ensuring it won't accidentally open or get touched. Crafted with meticulous engineering, every component of the S600, from the clips to the joints, is designed for durability and stability. Unlike traditional 4K streaming cameras, S600 webcam for PC offers flexible rotation and wide-angle tilting while staying securely in place, making it easier to find your ideal angle.
- Effortless Setup with Customization Option - S600 2.0&3.0 USB webcam offers a seamless plug-and-play experience, compatible with nearly all popular operating systems and software, no extra software required for use. Just plug it in, and you’re ready to go, making it an easy addition to your workflow. For those looking to fine-tune image parameters or enhance sound quality, EMEETLINK software is available for advanced customization. Both simplicity and advanced needs can be met effortlessly.
Rank #4
- 【Unmatched 4K Streaming Quality】The NexiGo N680E Pro has a Sony 1/2.5" 4K sensor for ultra-sharp, true-to-life video beyond standard webcams. Stream smoothly at 1080p 60 fps. Its premium coated lens boosts light transmission and reduces reflections for clearer, more vibrant images. Perfect for content creators and live streamers seeking top-tier performance. Note: Output resolution depends on your camera software (e.g., OBS, PotPlayer).
- 【PDAF Autofocus & Enhanced Audio Clarity】Keep your audience engaged with advanced PDAF autofocus, delivering faster focusing speed, higher precision, and greater stability than traditional AF systems, no matter how you move. Dual noise-reducing microphones capture your voice clearly by filtering out background noise, ensuring clean, distraction-free conversations and streaming.
- 【Tri-Tone Adjustable Ring Light】The built-in ring light offers three color temperature modes with a simple touch and stepless brightness control by rotating the outer dial. Brighter than typical webcam lights, the N680E Pro provides soft, glare-free illumination so you can easily achieve the perfect lighting for any space.
- 【Built-in Privacy Shutter】With a simple USB-A plug-and-play connection, this streaming camera works instantly—no drivers, apps, WiFi, or Bluetooth required. The built-in privacy shutter blocks the lens completely to prevent potential hacking or unwanted access, giving you full control over your privacy at all times.
- 【Widely Compatible】The NexiGo webcam works with Switch 2 (Please use with your own USB-C to USB-A adapter), Windows 7–11, Mac OS 10.6+, and Chrome OS 29+, supporting all major video conferencing and streaming platforms like Zoom, Teams, Skype, and more. Its flexible clip and 80° FOV allow smooth rotation and wide-angle tilting while staying secure, making it easy to find your ideal angle. A standard 1/4" tripod mount ensures stable setup. Ideal for conferencing, gaming, streaming, recording, and online learning.
Rank #3
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- Auto-Light Balance: RightLight boosts brightness by up to 50%, reducing shadows so you look your best—compared to previous-generation Logitech webcams (1)
- Privacy with a Slide: The integrated webcam cover makes it easy to get total, reliable privacy when you're not on a video call
- Built-In Mic: The built-in microphone lets others hear you clearly during video calls
- Easy Plug-And-Play: The Brio 101 works with most video calling platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet—no hassle; it just works
Rank #2
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- HD lighting adjustment and autofocus: The Logitech webcam automatically fine-tunes the lighting, producing bright, razor-sharp images even in low-light settings. This makes it a great webcam for streaming and an ideal web camera for laptop use
- Advanced capture software: Easily create and share video content with this Logitech camera that is suitable for use as a desktop computer camera or a monitor webcam
- Stereo audio with dual mics: Capture natural sound during calls and recorded videos with this 1080p webcam, great as a video conference camera or a computer webcam
- Full HD 1080p video calling and recording at 30 fps. You'll make a strong impression with this PC webcam that features crisp, clearly detailed, and vibrantly colored video
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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