Change your Snapchat background in three steps

To change your background in Snapchat, open the app and tap the camera icon at the bottom to start a new snap. Swipe left or right on the camera screen until you see the background options — these appear as circular icons below the shutter button. Tap the background you want, take your photo or video, and send it. The background filter stays active until you swipe to a different one or turn it off by tapping the X.

Snapchat offers built-in backgrounds like solid colors, patterns, and blurred effects. Some backgrounds are static (they stay the same), while others animate or change based on what the camera sees. The exact backgrounds available shift over time as Snapchat adds new ones, so you may see different options depending on when you open the app.

Key Takeaways

  • Swipe left or right on the camera screen to find background options before you take a photo or video.
  • Tap the circular background icon you want, then take your snap — the background will appear behind you in real time.
  • You can turn off a background by tapping the X icon, or switch to a different one by swiping again.
  • Background filters work best in good lighting and when your whole body is visible to the camera.
  • Some backgrounds are only available for a limited time before Snapchat rotates them out for new ones.

Where to find the background filter icons

When you open Snapchat and tap the camera button, you are looking at the main camera screen. Below the large circular shutter button (the one you tap to take a photo), you will see a row of small circular icons. These are your filter and background options. The icons change depending on what Snapchat is currently offering, but they typically include solid colors, blur effects, and themed backgrounds.

If you do not see any icons below the shutter button, swipe left or right on the camera screen itself. This reveals more background choices. Keep swiping until you find the one you want. Once you tap a background icon, you will see it take effect when ready on your screen — your face and body will appear in front of that background in real time.

how the process works a background before taking a snap

The order matters: choose your background first, then take the photo or video. Tap the background icon you want from the row below the shutter button. You will see the background appear on your screen right away. If the background does not look right or you want to try a different one, swipe left or right again and tap another icon.

Once you are happy with how the background looks, hold down the shutter button to record a video, or tap it once to take a still photo. The snap will save with that background applied. If you want to change the background for your next snap, swipe to a different icon before you take the next photo.

Turning off a background or switching to a different one

To remove the background filter entirely, look for the X icon among the background options and tap it. This returns you to the normal camera view with no background filter. You can do this at any time before or after taking a snap.

To switch from one background to another, straightforward swipe left or right on the camera screen again and tap a new background icon. You do not need to turn off the current one first — tapping a new background automatically replaces the old one. This works whether you are still in the camera view or reviewing a snap you just took.

Why some backgrounds work better than others

Background filters work by detecting where you end and the background begins. Good lighting helps the camera see this edge clearly, so backgrounds tend to look sharper and more realistic in bright rooms or outdoors. If the lighting is dim, the background may blur into your edges or look choppy.

Backgrounds also work best when your whole body or most of your face is visible to the camera. If you are very close to the lens or only part of your head is in frame, the filter may struggle to explore the background correctly. Wearing solid-colored clothing that contrasts with the background you choose also helps the filter recognize where you are.

Backgrounds that come and go

Snapchat regularly adds new backgrounds and removes old ones. A background you see today might not be available next week, and new ones appear frequently. This is normal — Snapchat rotates its filters and backgrounds to keep the app fresh and encourage users to check back often.

If you are looking for a specific background and cannot find it, it may have been rotated out. Swipe through all the available options to see what is currently offered. If you find a background you really like, use it while it is available, because there is no way to save or bookmark backgrounds for later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a background filter while recording a video?

Yes. Choose your background before you start recording, then hold down the shutter button to record video. The background stays active for the entire video. You can also change the background mid-video by swiping and tapping a new icon while still recording.

Why does my background look blurry or cut off?

This usually happens in low light or when you are too close to the camera. Move back a few inches and make sure you are in a well-lit space. If the background still looks wrong, try a different background option — some are more sensitive to lighting than others.

Are background filters the same as lenses?

No. Background filters change what appears behind you. Lenses change your face or add effects to your whole snap. Both are available in Snapchat, but they are separate tools. Backgrounds are the circular icons below the shutter button; lenses are usually accessed by tapping your face on the camera screen.

Can I create my own background?

Snapchat does not let you upload custom backgrounds through the app. You can only use the backgrounds Snapchat provides. However, you can take a snap with a background, edit it in another app, and save it to your phone.

Do background filters work on the front and back camera?

Most backgrounds work on the front-facing camera (the one that shows your face). Some backgrounds may also work on the rear camera, but this varies. Try swiping through the background options with the rear camera active to see what is available.