Zoom: Virtual Background Stuck on Apple Mac Computer

This article explains what steps to take on Apple Mac computers when a virtual background persists in Zoom meetings despite turning off the option in the Zoom settings.

Environment

Zoom desktop app, Zoom meetings

Issue

When using an Apple Mac computer, a virtual background persists during meetings even after setting the Virtual backgrounds option to None in Settings > Video & effects.

Resolution

1. Launch the Zoom desktop app.
2. Click the profile icon in the top-right.
3. Select Settings > Video & effects.
4. In the Mac menu bar at the top of the computer, on the right-hand side (but to the left of where you have the WiFi icon and date/time details) click the green video icon (opens the FaceTime HD Camera settings).
   • The following Apple documentation provides a screenshot of what this option looks like: Change your background during a video call.
5. Click the Background option, this should toggle it off/make it gray instead of green.

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.