diff --git a/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c b/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c
index ba4619a..905682c 100644
--- a/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c
+++ b/src/backend/wayland/wl_backend.c
@@ -6432,13 +6432,15 @@ wl_update_pointer_focus(uint32_t time_msec)
             wl_state.pointer_x, wl_state.pointer_y, &sx, &sy, &view);
     }
 
-    /* Track last focused surface for cursor reset on focus leave.
-     * We do NOT reset to left_ptr on enter — the client sets its own
-     * cursor via wl_pointer.set_cursor (handle_seat_request_cursor). */
     static struct wlr_surface *last_focused_surface = NULL;
     if (surface) {
         if (surface != last_focused_surface) {
             last_focused_surface = surface;
+            /* Set default cursor on new surface entry.  The client will
+             * override via wl_pointer.set_cursor, but if we're in a grab
+             * (move/resize, DND) the grab system manages the cursor. */
+            if (!wl_state.grab_type)
+                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);
@@ -6448,9 +6450,10 @@ wl_update_pointer_focus(uint32_t time_msec)
             last_focused_surface = NULL;
         }
         wlr_seat_pointer_clear_focus(wl_state.seat);
-        /* When pointer leaves all surfaces, leave the last cursor in
-         * place.  The next pointer enter will let the client set its own
-         * cursor, or the grab system manages cursor explicitly. */
+        /* Restore WM cursor when pointer leaves all surfaces.
+         * Don't reset during grabs — pointer_change_grab manages that. */
+        if (!wl_state.grab_type)
+            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.