Updated: Oct 3, 2023
In today’s digital age, video conferencing has become a part of our daily lives. Whether it’s for work meetings, online classes, or catching up with friends and family, platforms like Google Meet have made it easier than ever to connect with people from all over the world.
However, not everyone has a picture-perfect background to show during these virtual meetings. That’s where the magic of background blurring comes in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to blur your background in Google Meet, making your video calls more professional and distraction-free.
Why Blur Your Background?
There are several reasons why you might want to blur your background during a Google Meet call:
You may want to maintain your privacy by keeping your surroundings hidden.
Blurring your background can help you maintain a professional appearance, especially if you’re working from home or in a cluttered environment.
A blurred background reduces distractions, ensuring that the focus remains on you during the call.
Now, let’s dive into the steps to achieve this effect.
Step 1: Start or Join a Google Meet Call
Begin by starting or joining a Google Meet call. You can do this by opening Google Meet in your web browser or using the mobile app.
Step 2: Enable Background Blur
Once you’re in the call, look for the option to enable background blur. This option may not be available in all cases, as it depends on your device and the version of Google Meet you’re using.
Click on the three dots (menu) in the bottom-right corner during a call.
Select “Turn on background blur”.
Tap the three dots (menu) at the bottom right during a call.
Choose “Turn on background blur”.
Step 3: Adjust the Blur Effect
After enabling background blur, you may have the option to adjust the level of blur. This allows you to find the right balance between keeping your background discrete and still being visible.
Click on the “More options” button (three dots) again.
Select “Change background.”
Adjust the blur slider to your preference.
Tap the three dots (menu) again.
Select “Change background.”
Adjust the blur slider to your liking.
Step 4: Confirm Your Selection
After adjusting the blur effect to your liking, simply confirm your selection. Your background will now appear blurred to others in the call.
Step 5: Continue Your Call
With your background now blurred, you can go ahead and continue your Google Meet call as usual. Your colleagues, classmates, or friends will see you clearly while your background remains pleasantly blurred.
Step 6: Turn Off Background Blur (Optional)
If you want to disable the background blur during the call, simply follow the same steps but choose to turn it off in the menu.
That’s it! You’ve successfully blurred your background in Google Meet. This feature can help improve your video call experience by keeping the focus on you and ensuring your privacy, all with just a few clicks or taps.
Remember that the availability of the background blur feature may vary depending on your device and the version of Google Meet you’re using. If you don’t see the option, make sure you have the latest version of the app or try using Google Meet in a web browser.
Blurring your background in Google Meet is a simple yet powerful tool that can enhance the quality of your virtual meetings and make them more professional. Whether you’re in a busy office, a cluttered home, or just want to maintain your privacy, this feature has you covered. So, go ahead and give it a try during your next Google Meet call!