How do you use the minimap in Minecraft?

Answer 1

After you make the map just hold it in your hand while you walk around. If your talking about the "vanilla" or the stock map you made, you have to have it in your hand in order for it to update. If it's in your inventory then it won't update while you walk around and it will just show the area your in at the moment you hold it in your hand.

You may have to make more then 1 map if you wander quite a bit, because as you leave an area the map is only so big and won't update any more. Think of the map as similar to a city map, once you leave the city you have to get another map for the next city.

If your talking about a "mod" for a minimap you have to follow the instructions of the mod.