Android 16 QPR2 is introducing a new “Universal cursor” setting to enhance the desktop mode experience by allowing users to disable seamless mouse movement between a phone and an external display.
The desktop mode, a DeX-like feature introduced in Android 16 QPR1, activates when a compatible Pixel device is connected to an external display, offering a taskbar and freeform window management. While the ability to seamlessly move the mouse cursor between the phone and the external display has been a core element of this mode, the lack of an option to disable it has been a pain point for some users.
The “Universal cursor” setting, found under Settings > Connected devices > External displays in Android 16 QPR2 Beta 1, provides this control. Users can now choose whether the mouse cursor seamlessly transitions between the phone and the external display when it reaches the edge of the screen. According to reports, the feature is enabled by default. Disabling the “Universal cursor” also removes the option to rearrange display topology, as that function relies on cursor transitions to define the relationship between screens.
The inclusion of the “Universal cursor” setting represents a refinement of Android’s desktop mode, offering users greater control over their experience. While Google continues to develop and improve the desktop mode, this addition addresses a specific usability concern. The stable Android 16 QPR2 release, including this new setting, is scheduled for December.
