Discord video calls let you see other people, but your messy room or bright window behind you can be distracting. Background filters solve this by blurring your real background or replacing it with a custom image. This feature is built into Discord and requires no extra software. This article explains how to apply a background filter before or during a video call, what system requirements you need, and which filter types are available.
Key Takeaways: Applying Discord Video Call Background Filters
- User Settings > Voice & Video > Video Settings > Background: Choose Blur, None, or a custom image before joining a call.
- In-call video icon > Change Background: Switch filters during an active call without leaving the channel.
- System requirements: Windows 10 or later, macOS 10.13 or later, and a GPU that supports hardware acceleration. Discord uses your graphics card to process the background effect in real time.
How Discord Background Filters Work
Discord applies background filters using a technology called background segmentation. This process identifies the person in the video frame and separates them from the background. The software then either blurs the background or replaces it with an image you choose. The effect runs in real time using your computer’s GPU. If your GPU does not support hardware acceleration, the filter will not appear in your settings.
Three filter types are available:
- Blur: Softens the background so details are not visible. This works best when you want privacy without using an image.
- None: Shows your actual background with no effect applied. This is the default setting.
- Custom image: Replaces your background with any JPEG or PNG file you upload. The image is stored temporarily and does not sync across devices.
Background filters are available in direct calls, group calls, and server voice channels. They work with both front-facing and rear-facing cameras on laptops and desktops. Mobile versions of Discord do not support background filters as of this writing.
Steps to Apply a Background Filter Before a Call
Set a background filter before you join any video call. This method applies the filter to all future calls until you change it.
- Open Discord and go to User Settings
Click the gear icon next to your username at the bottom left of the Discord window. This opens the User Settings menu. - Select Voice & Video in the left sidebar
Scroll down the App Settings section and click Voice & Video. This page controls all audio and video settings. - Scroll to the Video Settings section
Find the Video Settings heading near the middle of the page. Below it you see a small preview of your camera feed. - Click the Background dropdown menu
Below the preview, locate the Background label and click the dropdown arrow. Three options appear: None, Blur, and an image upload button. - Select Blur or upload a custom image
Click Blur to apply a background blur. To use a custom image, click the upload icon — a camera with a plus sign — and select a JPEG or PNG file from your computer. Discord resizes the image to fit your screen aspect ratio. - Check the preview
The camera preview updates in real time to show the filter. If the preview looks correct, close User Settings. The filter stays active for your next call.
Steps to Change a Background Filter During a Call
You can switch filters while a video call is already running. This is useful when you join a call and realize your background is distracting.
- Join a voice channel or start a direct call
Click a voice channel in your server or start a direct video call with a friend. Your camera activates automatically if video is enabled. - Click the video camera icon at the bottom of the call window
This icon is in the voice control bar alongside the mute and deafen buttons. A small menu opens with video options. - Select Change Background
In the menu, click Change Background. A submenu shows None, Blur, and any previously uploaded images. - Choose a new filter
Click Blur to blur your background or click an uploaded image to replace it. The effect applies immediately to your video feed. All participants see the change in real time.
Common Issues with Discord Background Filters
Background Filter Option Is Grayed Out or Missing
The Background dropdown appears grayed out if your computer does not meet the hardware requirements. Discord requires a GPU that supports DirectX 11 or Metal for macOS. To check, open Discord and go to User Settings > Voice & Video. Look for a message that says “Background effects are not supported on this device.” If you see this, your GPU is not compatible. Try updating your graphics driver. For laptops, ensure Discord uses the dedicated GPU instead of integrated graphics. In Windows, go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics and set Discord to High performance.
Background Filter Causes Lag or Choppy Video
Background filters use GPU resources. If your GPU is old or overloaded, the filter can cause frame drops. Close other programs that use graphics acceleration, such as games or video editors. In Discord, go to User Settings > Voice & Video and turn off Hardware Acceleration. Restart Discord. The filter will still work, but it may use CPU resources instead, which can reduce lag. If the problem continues, use the Blur filter instead of a custom image — blur requires less processing power.
Custom Image Appears Stretched or Cropped
Discord automatically resizes uploaded images to match your camera’s aspect ratio, usually 16:9. If your image has a different aspect ratio, parts of it may be cropped. To avoid this, upload an image with a 16:9 resolution, such as 1920 by 1080 pixels. Use an image editing tool to crop your photo before uploading it to Discord.
Discord Background Filter Options: Blur vs Custom Image vs None
| Item | Blur | Custom Image | None |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Softens the real background | Replaces background with an uploaded image | Shows the actual background |
| GPU usage | Low to moderate | Moderate to high | None |
| Privacy level | High — hides room details | High — hides room entirely | Low — shows everything |
| Setup required | None | Upload an image file | None |
| Best use case | Quick privacy during calls | Professional or themed backgrounds | When background is already clean |
You now know how to apply, change, and troubleshoot Discord video call background filters. Start by setting a blur filter in User Settings before your next call. For a more professional look, upload a solid color or simple pattern image. If your GPU struggles, switch to the blur filter — it uses fewer resources and still hides your background.