In all likelihood, the app is already running. During the installation of the app, you were asked whether you would like the app to open at windows startup. The app does not have a windows (i.e. a graphical user interface). It simply sits in the tray icons. The only form of control it provides is through the menu when you click on it.

The MaxxStick app scans your PC for the hardware ID’s of the MaxxStick. If it doesn’t find them, it will let you know that it’s not detected. This can be caused by two factors:

1. Try a new USB cable. If your cable is damaged, it may not show the MaxxStick as connected.
2. Ensure you are using the app that works with the firmware you have loaded.

If you upgraded your R3 to Firmware V2.1, you MUST use the MaxxStick app V4 or higher. If you are on FW 1.8, use the app V3.

Your thumbstick has likely been pulled up and is rubbing against the joystick surround. Simply push it down into place.

We offer replacement parts for purchase for existing owners of the MaxxStick. If you can show the MaxxStick was damaged from shipping or is less than 30 days after receiving your unit, we will provide replacement components at no cost. Please fill in our technical support page. 

1. Make sure you have the newest firmware.
2. You need to ensure you have calibrated the MaxxStick. Our newest firmware will store calibration data, but if the data was not clean, you will end up with movement issues. Simply read how to calibrate the MaxxStick on our setup page.

Many cases of this can be attributed to two possibilities.

1. There is an issue with a loose connection with the USB cable. We suggest trying a different USB cable.
2. Depending on the peripherals in your system, you may be overloading the USB port group that the MaxxStick is plugged into.

We suggest rearranging what you have plugged into your USB port groups such that the MaxxStick is not plugged into a group of high-power USB devices.

Almost all games have their default movement keys mapped to the WASD. But we purposely chose to have the keyboard within the MaxxStick actuate the arrow keys. If your hands are resting on WASD and those keys continue to be used for movement, the MaxxStick would be redundant. Instead, we think you should utilize your fingers for other useful actions in the game while your thumb controls your movement.

This all means that you will need to go into your games keyboard settings and map movement binds to the arrow keys. All PC games let you remap keybinds, and it generally takes 30 seconds or less to do. While in the settings, you can also bind actions you like to do often to the WASD keys. 

1. Make sure that the MaxxStick is in Xinput Mode. Switch modes to Xinput.
2. Make sure that you have gone to Fortnite settings and enabled “Lock Input As Mouse” and disabled “Ignore Gamepad”
   
3. Follow our Fortnite troubleshooting video

This is “normal.” Epic made “lock input as mouse” work in-game but did not extend that to menus. The flashing will not stop you from accessing or controlling the inventory menu.