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Newcomer
March 15, 2026
Question

background photo

  • March 15, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 87 views

I have been getting help for weeks and no one can figure out why I cannot add a background photo or use Virtual backgrounds this happens on my Samsung phone as well as my chromebook. It does not give me the plus option to add a background photo and on the Chromebook when it gives me the arrow to add virtual backgrounds it comes up error occurred and it does that on the phone as well. I have tried doing this during a meeting, with my video open or my video off

    2 replies

    tom cary
    Newcomer
    Newcomer
    March 15, 2026

    That sounds frustrating. One possible reason is that virtual backgrounds depend on device compatibility and app version. Some Chromebooks and certain mobile devices have limited support for custom backgrounds, which can remove the “+” option or trigger errors when trying to upload images.

    You might want to check that the Zoom app is fully updated, confirm that virtual backgrounds are enabled in your Zoom account settings, and verify whether your specific Chromebook model supports this feature.

    Newcomer
    March 15, 2026

    Thank you for responding. I just opened it on a new computer and I got it to work but the printing is backwards. Any help and how to reverse that would be appreciated!

     

    Community Manager
    April 3, 2026

    Hi ​@tom cary,

     

    If your Zoom meeting virtual background appears backwards or mirrored, this is usually due to the "Mirror my video" setting. When enabled, your video preview is mirrored for you, but other participants see it correctly.

     

    To adjust this:

    1. In your Zoom desktop client, click your profile picture and select Settings.
    2. Go to the Video and effects.
    3. Look for the "Mirror my video" checkbox.
    4. Uncheck it if you want your background to appear as it does to others.


      This will display your video (and background) in the same orientation as other participants see it.

    tom cary
    Newcomer
    Newcomer
    April 3, 2026

    That’s frustrating! 😕 Sounds like it could be a device or app version issue. Make sure both your Zoom app and Chromebook OS are fully updated. Also, some devices require a certain level of hardware support for virtual backgrounds if possible, check Zoom’s system requirements for your phone and Chromebook. Sometimes uninstalling and reinstalling the app can fix these quirks too