- How to use filters and effects on a WhatsApp video call
- How to create an AI background for a video call
- How to remove every effect at once
- How to turn camera effects off completely
- What WhatsApp says about privacy
- Using effects outside calls
- If an effect won't come off
- Why you might not see the effects icon
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
To use WhatsApp video call filters, join a video call, tap the effects icon (on iPhone you can also long press your self view), then tap Effects, Filters or Backgrounds and pick one. To remove it, tap the none icon. If you don't see the option, WhatsApp says these features are only available on certain devices and to limited users so far.
WhatsApp splits this into three kinds of tool. Effects are the playful ones, like puppy ears. Filters change the look of the picture. Backgrounds swap what's behind you, and some people can now create a background with AI.
Here's how each works on Android and iPhone, how to switch camera effects off and what WhatsApp says about privacy, from the WhatsApp Help Center, read in October 2026.
How to use filters and effects on a WhatsApp video call
| Step | Android | iPhone |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Join a video call or open the WhatsApp camera | Join a video call or open the WhatsApp camera |
| 2 | Tap the effects icon (a magic wand) | Tap the effects icon, or long press your self view |
| 3 | Tap Effects, Filters or Backgrounds | Tap Effects, Filters or Backgrounds |
| 4 | Select one: scroll it to the middle or tap it | Select one: scroll it to the middle or tap it |
| Remove | Tap the none icon, or pick another filter or background | Tap the none icon, or pick another filter or background |
The same tools work when you open the camera inside WhatsApp, not only on calls. WhatsApp says you can apply effects, filters and backgrounds on video calls, when sending photos and videos, and when posting a Status.
How to create an AI background for a video call
This is the newest option, and it uses Meta AI to make a background from a description.
- Join a video call or open the camera in WhatsApp.
- Tap the call effects icon.
- Tap Backgrounds.
- Swipe through and tap Create with AI.
- Describe the image you want, then tap next. Or pick a suggested image for ideas.
- Tap the check mark to apply it, or the regenerate icon for a new set.
WhatsApp says Meta AI and some of these experiences are only available in limited countries so far. It lists the supported languages as English, Arabic, French, Hindi, Indonesian, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai and Vietnamese. It also warns that some images generated by Meta AI might not be accurate or appropriate, so check the result before your call partner sees it. If you'd prefer to keep Meta AI out of WhatsApp, my guide on turning off Meta AI explains what you can and can't switch off.
How to remove every effect at once
- During the call, or with the camera open, tap the call effects icon.
- Tap the remove all effects icon.
That's quicker than removing a filter and a background one at a time, and it's the button to remember if a call suddenly turns serious.
How to turn camera effects off completely
WhatsApp has a privacy setting that controls face and hand effects.
- To turn them on: tap the three-dot menu, then Settings, then Privacy. Toggle on Allow camera effects and tap Continue.
- To turn them off: go to the same place, toggle off Allow camera effects and tap Turn off.
What WhatsApp says about privacy
Effects need to follow your face, so WhatsApp explains what happens. If you pick puppy ears, it estimates where parts of your face are so the ears stay on top of your head as you move. WhatsApp says this information isn't used to identify you. Your personal calls, and the photos and videos you send in messages, stay end-to-end encrypted, and that includes calls with an AI background.
Using effects outside calls
The effects icon isn't only for video calls. WhatsApp says you can use effects, filters and backgrounds when you open the camera in WhatsApp, when sending photos and videos in a chat, and when posting a Status. So if you've found a background you like on a call, you can use the same style for a quick video message or a Status update.
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If an effect won't come off
- Tap the remove all effects icon.
- If that doesn't work, tap the none icon in Effects, Filters and Backgrounds in turn.
- On a Samsung phone, WhatsApp says to contact the manufacturer if filters and backgrounds won't clear on video calls.
- As a last resort, turn off Allow camera effects in Settings, then Privacy.
Why you might not see the effects icon
- WhatsApp says these features are currently only available to limited users, even if other people you know have them.
- Some effects depend on the device you're using.
- On some Samsung phones, if you can't remove filters and backgrounds on video calls, WhatsApp says to contact your phone's manufacturer.
- AI backgrounds also depend on Meta AI being available in your country and language.
If video looks choppy once effects are on, it's worth checking your connection and data. My guide on whether a WhatsApp video call uses a lot of data covers that, and for bigger calls see the WhatsApp group call limit.
My verdict
WhatsApp's video call filters, effects and backgrounds are easy once you know where the effects icon is, and the remove all effects button is the one to remember. Backgrounds are the practical pick for working from home, and AI backgrounds are fun if Meta AI is available to you. If you never want face effects, switch off Allow camera effects in Privacy settings and you're done.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add a filter on a WhatsApp video call?
Join the video call, tap the effects icon (or long press your self view on iPhone), tap Filters and choose one. Tap the none icon to remove it.
Why can't I see video call effects on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp says effects, filters and backgrounds are only available on certain devices and to limited users so far, so you may not have them yet even if friends do.
Can I change my background on a WhatsApp video call?
Yes, where Backgrounds are available. Tap the effects icon during the call, tap Backgrounds and choose one, or tap Create with AI to make one with Meta AI.
How do I turn off camera effects on WhatsApp?
Tap the three-dot menu, then Settings, then Privacy, toggle off Allow camera effects and tap Turn off.
Does WhatsApp use my face to identify me for effects?
No. WhatsApp says it estimates the location of parts of your face so effects stay in place, but this information isn't used to identify you.
