While a plethora of other video call services have long allowed users to change their background, Apple has limited FaceTime users to Portrait Blur or Studio Light effects. But that all changes with macOS 15 Sequoia. You can now change your video call background in FaceTime, including gradients, different scenes from Apple Park, and even a custom image.
Interestingly, this background replacement isn’t limited to FaceTime. It works across any video call on your Mac. So if you’re tired of the same old virtual backgrounds in Zoom or Google Meet, this is your chance to shake things up. Let’s see how to change the background during a FaceTime call.
Replace Your Background in FaceTime Video Call on Mac
You can replace your background the same way you access other camera options for your Mac’s FaceTime camera. Simply go to the menu bar and enable Backgrounds. Here’s how it works:
1. Open FaceTime (or any other video call app) on your Mac and start or join a video call.
2. Click the green camera icon in the menu bar at the top.
3. Select the Background option. Your background will change immediately.
4. Tap the background thumbnail icon to choose your desired background from the following options:
- Gradients: Select from nine different gradients for a subtle look that hides your surroundings.
- Apple Park Scenes: Tap the Mountain icon and choose your favorite scene. You might enjoy the popular Apple Park rainbow backdrop.
- Custom Image Background: Tap the Gallery icon to upload your own photo as the background.
And that’s how you can change your FaceTime call background on macOS Sequoia. The edge detection is excellent; there’s no flaking or tearing, and your fingers are accurately visible. It also doesn’t get confused with objects in your hand, unlike Google Meet.
For instance, you can see I’m holding Galaxy Z Flip 6 in my hand, which is accurately detected and displayed in FaceTime instead of blending it with the background. On the other hand, Google Meet’s built-in virtual background feature struggles in similar scenarios, often unsure of what to show and what not to.
The new Background feature in macOS Sequoia, particularly the included Apple Scenes, feels refreshing. Plus, you no longer have to worry about messy rooms or distracting backgrounds when taking a video call on your Mac.
It’s available on the macOS Developer Beta, but while you can always try the beta build, I’d recommend waiting a few more days for Sequoia’s public release in September. Then, you’ll be able to freely change your background in FaceTime and other supported video call apps, and also enjoy other macOS Sequoia features like AI Writing Tools and iPhone Mirroring.
