no blur background even with updated Zoom on a Mac

[SusieB]

I updated today to 5.8.0. I'm on a Mac.  I do not have a green screen, and I see no option for a blurred background. Allegedly, it should be there. All the help info I've found only says something like "you need to update." Yeah. It's updated. So what am I missing? Thanks.

[Rupert · Accepted solution]

Hi @SusieB 

Does your Mac meet the minimum system requirements for blurred background - see below?

And is your Zoom account part of an organization that may have disabled all kinds of Virtual backgrounds?

• macOS version 10.13 or higher
• Supported processors
  • Apple M1  
  • i5 - 2 cores or higher, 6th generation or higher
    Note: 6th generation i5 dual-core processor, requires macOS 10.14 or higher
  • i7 - 4 cores or higher, 4th generation or higher

[Rupert · Accepted solution]

Hi @SusieB 

Does your Mac meet the minimum system requirements for blurred background - see below?

And is your Zoom account part of an organization that may have disabled all kinds of Virtual backgrounds?

• macOS version 10.13 or higher
• Supported processors
  • Apple M1  
  • i5 - 2 cores or higher, 6th generation or higher
    Note: 6th generation i5 dual-core processor, requires macOS 10.14 or higher
  • i7 - 4 cores or higher, 4th generation or higher

[SusieB]

Thanks. It is not part of an organization, and it does meet those system requirements. This is why I'm stumped. It's probably one little thing I'm overlooking, and I'm at the point that I'm just not finding it on my own.

[Rupert]

What about in your own account settings at: https://zoom.us/profile/setting ?

[SusieB]

Virtual background is toggled on there. I wonder if I just need to uninstall and reinstall the desktop app. 

[Rupert]

You could try.

[SusieB]

Uninstalled and reinstalled, and that didn't resolve it. So there's probably some little thing somewhere that I'm not finding that Zoom doesn't like. Meanwhile, I have a different basic account on a PC at work, and there's no trouble with backgrounds there. *shrug* 

[AGH3rd]

Looks like it is down to putting both machines side by side and comparing settings line by line.. I HATE when that has to be done, but sometimes it is the only way... particularly with something like Zoom that can have over 170 settings!

[JazV]

my system meets the zoom requirements and my zoom app is up to date but still no blur and this is a personal account.

[lmm1]

For everyone else having the issue with Blur Background not working, switch to Google Meet!

Background Blur works perfectly with Google Meet!! ✅

[AGH3rd]

be sure to check all meeting and account settings to be sure you have turned on the feature to allow you to use virtual backgrounds...
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/210707503-Changing-your-Virtual-Background-image 

[SusieB]

I checked those to the extent possible. In some cases, I follow the directions to the point where I don't have a tab or something that they say you should have. Maybe that's a paid vs. free client thing.

[Lullaby]

Hello,
I have a similar problem. I have Zoom Version: 5.8.0 (1780) that I use on my MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) with Processor 1,8 GHz Intel Core i5. I can choose Virtual Backgrounds via the "Backgrounds & Filters" settings , I can also add new images, but the blurred background option is NOT available. I have looked for a solution in the Zoom community, upgraded Zoom, signed out, restarted the computer and the blurred option is still NOT available. Can you help me?
Thanks in advance

[Marcelov]

Hello, Lullaby. I have the same computer, MacBook Air (13 inch, 2017) however both virtual backgrounds and blurred option there are not available.

How can I enable at least the virtual background?

[mochi3]

I have the same problem. I can't find the blurred background option and I checked all the system and Zoom version requirements.

[tigribs]

has there been any solution? same problem on my mac - can set virtual background, but cannot use blurred background...

[Pat12]

I am also unable to set "blurred background" using latest version of Zoom (v 5.8.4) on my MacBook running macOS Big Sur. The option does not even appear. I would certainly appreciate a fix. Thanks.

[irenemaryanne]

Same problem, please help

[Raief]

Same problem here in my MacBook Pro😠

[diegol]

Same problem here. MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015), updated os to Monterrey,  processor 2,9 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5,  Zoom 5.9.1

[diegol]

Well, I have finally found the cause, which unfortunately seems definite. The system requires 6th generation i5 processor, and my 2015 MacBook has 5th generation. To all of those having the same problem, check the processor's generation.  If it's not 6th or later, you will have to settle (like me) with pristine backgrounds or get yourself a green screen

[mamacatjane]

I have the exact same MacBook Pro and processor as you (updated OS to Big Sur) and also do not have a blurred background option. I also cannot use a virtual background. I was able to add photos to be used as virtual backgrounds but when I click on them (or any of the standard virtual backgrounds that come with Zoom) I get a message that says "Your device requires a green screen to support virtual backgrounds." What is the solution?

[treehaus]

ou have 1 5th gen chip, you need at least 6th gen

[mamacatjane]

diegol, I meant to ask you in my previous reply - how did you determine what generation your processor is? 

[PabloPistachio1]

Same problem

[NLN]

Yes, same here. Well, glad it's not just me but man I sure spent a lot of time looking for what they SAY should be an option!

[NLN]

Well if diegol is correct, then, Zoom people, you need to be MUCH more specific about what Intel processors will work. Mine says "1.4 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5" - and according to Wikpedia, that is 2nd generation or something.

By the way do Zoom tech support ever answer to these "community" pages? It's my first time.

[zeultimo]

we can raise a ticket with them... this community is more like yahoo answers

[retread]

No guarantees but this might work.

Start a meeting with Video On

In the task bar at the bottom of your window, go to Video and select Virtual Background.

You should see the None and the Blur boxes but you have to click on the Download above them first to install the software. Let us know if it worked.

[WTAM]

Sorry, it didn't work. I have the same problem as others, not being able to use Blur background though all the requirements are met.  😞

[Bernie1]

I have a Macbook Pro mid 2015 with a 5th generation Intel processor (link). For some reason a 6th generation is required by Zoom (link). However, background blur works on MS Teams and Google Meet without a problem on my Macbook.

Dear Zoom Team, if they can do it for my laptop, you can as well. Thank you!

[LJO]

I found the solution for the blurr situation! I was just offered to upgrade to the newest version of zoom and when I did… the blur option now miraculously comes up. Hooray! 

[SuMcG]

Does anyone know how to actually get someone from tech support on the phone or chat? I'm having the same problem. Checking with Apple Support and have all the right specs. I also have checked my version of Zoom and have the right version there as well.  So I really need to talk with tech support through zoom. Any help on how to connect with someone and not a BOT would be so appreciated! Thank you

[zeultimo]

tht's for paying customers...  we can still raise a ticket

[treehaus]

your chip is 5th gen, probs. 

[trexzal]

I have the same concern as everyone here. I can't use the blurred background.  Can Zoom just facilitate this function?  In our office, I feel sad that only we, MacBook Air users, couldn't apply the blurred virtual background.  Just make it available already, please.

[jframpton]

Same problem here.  I meet all requirements but it doesn't work with my mac.

[kanda1]

And... I am also on mac, have just updated Zoom, I have an i5 MacBook pro which meets specs and ALSO can't get blurred background. C'mon Zoom, please release something that works??

[sbdh]

I have found a short term fix: join a zoom meeting from your browser instead of from the desktop app, and I have the ability to tick the blur option. I seem to meet all requirements for a virtual background except that my Mac is not a 6th generation processor. To Zoom team, it makes NO sense that I can have a blurred option on my browser and not on my desktop, it is the same device/camera! 

[MaryRyder]

I have been months looking for a solution, thank you, joining from the browser I can use the blur background but not the zoom app.