Skype lets you blur your background during video calls, which hides a messy room and keeps your surroundings private. The feature works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Skype for web. You can also swap in a custom image or upload your own picture as a background effect.
What you need before you start
Make sure Skype is updated to the latest version, because older builds do not show the background effects menu. The blur effect also requires a processor with Advanced Vector Extensions 2 (AVX2) support. Most computers made after 2011 include AVX2, so the feature works on the vast majority of modern machines.
How to blur your background during a Skype call
- Start or join a video call in Skype.
- Hover over the video button at the bottom of the call window, or click the More menu (the three dots).
- Click Choose background effect.
- Select Blur, or pick an image you added before. You can also click Add to upload a new picture.
Your background changes instantly, and the other people on the call see the effect right away. You can switch back to the normal view at any time using the same menu.
How to blur your background for every Skype call
- Open Skype and click your profile picture.
- Click Settings, then select Audio & Video.
- Under Choose background effect, click Blur, choose a saved image, or add your own.
This applies the effect to all of your future calls, so you do not need to set it every time. If you join calls from different devices, repeat the steps on each one, since the setting is stored per device.
How to use a custom background image in Skype
Beyond blur, Skype supports full background replacement with images. Click Choose background effect, then Add, and pick a photo from your computer. For the best result, use a bright, high resolution image and keep your face well lit so the effect looks natural.
Why is the blur option missing or not working?
If you cannot see the blur option, update Skype first and restart the app. On very old computers, the effect may be unavailable because the processor does not support AVX2. To check, search for your processor model on a site like WikiChip and look under supported x86 extensions.
Skype background blur vs other video apps
Skype is not the only tool with background effects. Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams offer similar options, and each one is quick to set up. If you are comparing services, see our guide to the best alternatives for Zoom. You should also watch out for fake Zoom emails that try to steal your login details.
Frequently asked questions
Does Skype background blur work on mobile?
Yes. Background effects, including blur, are available in the Skype apps for Android and iOS. Open the More menu during a call and tap Choose background effect.
Can I blur my background before joining a call?
Yes. Open Settings, go to Audio & Video, and pick Blur under background effects before you start any call. The effect stays active until you change it.
Will the blur effect slow down my computer?
The effect uses your processor and graphics hardware, so it can add load on older machines. If your call becomes laggy, switch back to the normal background or use a static image instead.
Want a better camera setup for your calls? Learn how to use your smartphone as a webcam on Windows, or check out our JioMeet video conferencing guide for a free calling alternative.
