- One UI differentiates between the text editing cursor and the mouse pointer in DeX, with separate settings.
- In One UI 6.1, the DeX pointer has been redesigned with a smoother look, only modifiable in size and color.
- The thickness of the text cursor can be improved from accessibility settings to gain visibility and comfort while typing.
- Tools like Pentastic only affect the S Pen; they do not allow you to restore the classic mouse pointer.
When Samsung launched One UI 6.1Many users noticed the most obvious visual changes: animations, icons, minor aesthetic tweaks… but there's one detail that has gone largely unnoticed, yet affects daily use: the appearance and customization of the text editing cursor. That small indicator that blinks when you type now has more adjustment options, including the cursor thicknessThis is especially useful for those who spend many hours writing or have vision problems.
At the same time, with this version a change in the cursor has also been noticed when using a physical mouse in DeXSeveral users have commented that the classic "computer" pointer has disappeared, giving way to a smoother, more rounded cursor, more suited to a mobile environment than a traditional desktop. And of course, this has raised questions: how to customize the thickness of the text cursor, what can be changed about the mouse pointer, and, above all, what can't be changed these days.
What exactly is the text editing cursor in One UI?
On Android, and by extension on One UIThe text editing cursor is that blinking vertical bar in the field where you're typing. It indicates the exact point where the next character will be inserted. Although it may seem like a minor detail, the visibility of this cursor directly impacts how comfortable you are to type in. write and edit text on your mobile phone or tablet.
In previous versions of Samsung's interface, this cursor had a fairly standard thickness, neither too thin nor too thick, and there were hardly any options to modify it beyond some accessibility settings. With the arrival of One UI 6.x, Samsung has begun to offer some additional configuration options so that... editing cursor It looks better, especially on large screens or with backgrounds where a cursor that's too thin can get lost.
Why might you be interested in changing the cursor thickness?
The possibility of playing the cursor thickness It's not just a cosmetic gimmick. It makes a lot of practical sense, especially if you do a lot of typing in your terminal or use it as a work or study tool. A wider cursor makes it easier to find the insertion point when moving between paragraphs or editing long texts.
Additionally, for people with vision problemsA cursor that's too thin can be almost invisible, especially with certain color combinations or when the screen is at its lowest brightness. Making it thicker not only improves accessibility but also reduces eye strain by eliminating the need to squint to locate where you're typing.
Even if you have good vision, if you're using your device in DeX mode with a large monitor-like screen, a wider cursor in text fields helps you better identify the typing position, especially when switching focus between windows or applications in a more desktop-like environment. traditional desk.
Differences between text cursor and mouse pointer in One UI
It is important to clearly distinguish between two elements that are often confused: the text editing cursor and the mouse pointer. They are not the same, they do not behave the same way, and, most importantly, they are not customized from the same menus or with the same options.
- Text editing cursor: It is the vertical bar that appears within a text field, search box, notes app, word processor, etc. It is the indicator that marks where the next character will be inserted.
- Mouse pointer: It's the icon that moves around the screen when you connect a physical mouse (wired, via USB dongle, or Bluetooth). In DeX, it acts as a classic desktop pointer, shaped like an arrow or similar icons depending on the version.
The content seen after the One UI 6.1 update reflects precisely a change in the mouse pointer in DeX modeIt used to look a lot like a desktop computer cursor, but now it's been softened with a more rounded design. However, the topic of this article is customizing the thickness of the text cursorwhich is a different adjustment.
Changes in One UI 6.1: the new pointer in DeX
Several users who have updated their Galaxy Z Fold 3 (and other compatible models) to One UI 6.1 They've all said exactly the same thing: when entering DeX, the mouse pointer no longer has that classic, linear, and angular look, but is now a "smoother" cursor, with a more modern feel but less like a traditional PC.
One of the most frequent comments is that this new pointer seems less like a desktop system and more like a touch environment, which for some breaks the feeling of using a real desktop modeOthers simply indicate that it seems strange to them and that they preferred the previous pointer, which was more sober and square.
The problem arises when you try to reverse this change. When you go to the mouse settingsThe options offered by One UI 6.1 are practically limited to the size and color of the pointer. That is, you can make the cursor bigger or smaller, and change its color to make it more visible against different backgrounds, but you can't revert it to its previous design or change its base style.
What you can change about the mouse pointer in One UI 6.1
If you're using a physical mouse on your Galaxy with One UI 6.1, in both normal and in Samsung DeXYou can tweak some basic pointer settings. They don't directly affect the text editing cursor, but they do make the mouse experience a bit more comfortable.
- Pointer size: You can increase or decrease the overall size of the mouse icon. This is useful if it looks too small on a large monitor or, conversely, excessively large on smaller screens.
- Pointer color: Accessibility settings often include options to color the pointer, allowing it to stand out against light or dark backgrounds. This is helpful for those who have difficulty following a white or black cursor in certain environments.
- Pointer speed: It is also possible to adjust the sensitivity, so that the movement is faster or more precise, although this does not affect the visual aspect itself, but rather the control.
However, what many users want is something more advanced: change the style or shape of the pointer to restore the classic computer cursor. That's where we run into the current limitations of One UI.
Current limitations: You cannot revert to the classic cursor in DeX
Following the feedback after the update, the reality is that, for now, One UI 6.1 does not offer a direct setting for restore the old pointer in DeX. The tools included in the system only allow you to modify the size and color, but not the shape or basic style of the cursor.
The referenced message mentions that, after checking the mouse settings, the only setting that appears is that configuration of pointer size/colorThere's no option to select "classic style" or anything similar to revert to the previous look. Nor is there an official toggle switch to disable this "smoothed" pointer and return to the one used in versions like One UI 5.x.
This means that if you don't like the new design, the only solution within the standard configuration is to play with the size and color to adapt it somewhat to your liking, but accepting that the cursor shape It is what it is. Any other modification would involve unofficial or experimental solutions which, besides not being guaranteed, may generate compatibility or stability problems.
Pentastic and the misunderstanding with the scroll pointer
Another point that has generated confusion is the existence of pentastaticA Good Lock module that allows customization of the S Pen experience on some Samsung devices. In this case, several users have clarified that they are not referring to the "scrolling pointer" associated with the S Pen, which can be modified through Pentastic, but rather to the physical mouse pointer on DeX.
Therefore, while Pentastic is a fantastic solution for customizing the S Pen's pointer and other pen-related details, it's not suitable for restore the classic cursor The mouse cannot be reverted to DeX, nor can its style be modified. Anyone seeking this reversion will have to accept, for now, the limitations imposed by One UI 6.1.
Customize the thickness of the text editing cursor in One UI
Focusing on the text editing cursor (the one that appears within the fields where you type), One UI offers features linked to the accessibility section that allow you to make it more visible, which in practice translates into being able to adjust its thickness and, in some cases, the way it blinks.
In the accessibility settings, within the submenu of Visibility Or similar, you can find options that alter different interface elements to make them easier to see: text size, colors, high contrast, and, in recent versions, the appearance of the text cursor. On many models with One UI 6.x, you can find a control that modifies the thickness or, at least, the visibility of the writing cursorso that it ceases to be an extremely thin line that is barely distinguishable against certain backgrounds.
This adjustment can result in a slightly wider cursor and, in some layers and combinations, a more pronounced blinking effect. In other words, it's not just thicker, but the on-off cycle is more noticeable, making it easier to locate on screen at a glance—very useful when editing long texts or switching between different writing apps.
Practical advantages of a thicker text cursor
Increasing the thickness of the text cursor brings very clear benefits that go beyond aesthetics. To begin with, it improves the accuracy when editing textBecause it's much easier to know exactly which character you're going to insert or delete something in. This reduces silly mistakes when editing long paragraphs, especially when working with a physical keyboard connected to the device.
It also influences the visual comfortWhen the cursor is more visible, the eye finds it automatically, without having to scan the screen for a nearly imperceptible line. This, in the long run, reduces eye strain, which is a welcome benefit if you regularly use your phone or tablet to take notes, write documents, or answer long emails.
On the other hand, a thicker text cursor is an important aid for those who have visual acuity problems Or perhaps they simply don't see as well as they used to. You don't need to have a severe visual impairment to notice the difference: any user who uses the device in low light or with the brightness turned down will appreciate that the text indicator stands out a bit more against the background.
Additional related accessibility settings
Aside from cursor thickness, One UI integrates into its menu Accessibility Other options complement this improvement and are worth reviewing if your priority is to write comfortably and see everything that happens on screen clearly.
- Font size and style: Increasing the font size makes it easier to read what you're writing and visually follow the cursor as you scroll through text.
- High contrast and color themes: A greater contrast between the background and the interface elements makes the text cursor look better, even if its thickness doesn't change much.
- Screen zoom: Slightly increasing the zoom level not only makes the text larger, but also the editing field and the cursor bar itself, further enhancing its visibility.
Combining these options with the adjustment of cursor thicknessYou can achieve a much more comfortable, personalized writing experience tailored to your needs, both in normal mobile use and in scenarios where you connect a keyboard and work for long periods.
Expectations for future versions of One UI
The fact that so many users are commenting on the change in the pointer's appearance in DeX and looking for ways to revert it indicates that there is a real interest to further refine these details. It wouldn't be surprising if Samsung, in future updates, expanded the mouse pointer customization options, similar to what it has already done with elements like the text cursor or tools like Pentastic for the S Pen.
One reasonable possibility is that, over time, settings will appear that allow you to choose between several pointer stylesThis includes a more classic option for those who prefer an experience closer to Windows or a traditional desktop. This would align with making DeX an increasingly versatile and configurable environment, something that users who work long hours with it would appreciate.
Until that happens, the real options involve squeezing every last drop out of the current size and color settings, as well as the accessibility features that affect the text cursor and other visual elementsIt's the safest way to adapt the interface to your vision and your way of working without resorting to third-party solutions that may cause conflicts.
In short, One UI 6.1 has introduced subtle but important changes to how we see and use the cursor, both the text editing cursor and the mouse pointer in DeX. While it's not currently possible to restore the classic desktop pointer, it is possible to significantly improve the visibility and thickness of the text cursor through accessibility settings. This involves combining size, color, and contrast adjustments to achieve a more comfortable, clearer, and much better-adapted writing experience for each user. Share this information so that more people can learn about the topic..