diff --git a/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c b/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c
index 7e85bb4..397caa5 100644
--- a/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c
+++ b/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c
@@ -4911,6 +4911,9 @@ wl_update_pointer_focus(uint32_t time_msec)
             wwarning("wl_backend: pointer focus entered surface %p at %.1f,%.1f",
                      (void *)surface, sx, sy);
             last_focused_surface = surface;
+            /* Reset to default cursor; client will override via
+             * request_set_cursor after receiving wl_pointer.enter. */
+            wl_set_cursor_image("left_ptr");
         }
         wlr_seat_pointer_notify_enter(wl_state.seat, surface, sx, sy);
         wlr_seat_pointer_notify_motion(wl_state.seat, time_msec, sx, sy);
@@ -4921,6 +4924,9 @@ wl_update_pointer_focus(uint32_t time_msec)
             last_focused_surface = NULL;
         }
         wlr_seat_pointer_clear_focus(wl_state.seat);
+        /* Restore WM cursor — the client may have set its own cursor
+         * surface which becomes invalid once pointer focus leaves. */
+        wl_set_cursor_image("left_ptr");
     }
     /* Phase 29 (FFP): focus-follows-pointer — when the pointer enters a new
      * managed view, deliver WM keyboard focus without raising.