Background issue

Question

The background has automatically turned blurry, and I can’t get it back to normal. I’ve tried everything I can, including clearing the cache and reinstalling the app, but nothing has worked. The web version is fine, but the issue only happens in the Mac app. *Moved from: Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Teams Free | Files

Answer 1

If you are using FaceTime camera on your Mac computer, then the background feature might be set on your camera settings.

https://support.apple.com/en-ge/guide/mac-help/mchlp2980/mac

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5515052/how-do-i-remove-the-blue-background-in-ms-teams

Answer 2

Hi JUHA

I understand the issue. Since the problem only occurs in the Microsoft Teams app on your Mac while Teams on the web works normally, this may be related to the app's camera processing rather than the background effect setting itself.

Before continuing, have you already tried the suggestions provided by Q&A Assist and confirmed that “None” is selected under “Video effects”? In addition, please let me know:

• Which macOS version you are using?
• Does the blur affect only your camera preview, or do other meeting participants also see the blurred background?

That information will help narrow down the cause further.

In the meantime, if you haven't already, please try these checks:

1. Open Teams and go to “Settings” > “Devices”.
2. Under “Camera”, check whether another camera source is available and test switching between them (if applicable).
3. In macOS, go to “System Settings” > “Privacy & Security” > “Camera” and make sure Microsoft Teams has camera permission enabled.
4. During a meeting, switch the camera off and back on, then check whether the image remains blurred.

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Answer 3

In the Mac Teams app, the background blur can be turned off from the meeting video settings; clearing cache or reinstalling does not change that setting.

To return the background to normal during a meeting:

1. Join a Teams meeting in the Mac app.
2. In the meeting controls, select More actions (three dots) > Video effects and settings.
3. Select Video effects.
4. If Blur is selected (Standard blur or Portrait blur), change it:
   • Either select a different background image, or
   • Select None to remove all background effects.
5. Select Apply.

If using keyboard or a screen reader, the blur/background can also be turned off from the Background settings pane:

1. Open the Background settings pane (either before or during the meeting).
2. Use the arrow keys until the None button is selected, then press Enter.
3. If already in the meeting, press Tab until Apply is selected, then press Enter. If joining, the effect is turned off automatically.

Once None is applied, the background should no longer be blurred in subsequent meetings in the Mac app.

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References:

• Change your background in Microsoft Teams meetings
• Use a screen reader with backgrounds in Microsoft Teams meetings
• Limit distractions in meetings in Microsoft Teams