Mila's payphone is the handoff between exploration and the Threshold puzzle. Answering it starts the local test; the traffic signal inside the test is your immediate feedback system.
Why is the phone important?
The cab itself is the location clue, but the call establishes the test. Clear nearby combat first so prompts, audio, and visual changes are easier to read.
What does the green signal mean?
Green confirms the cab you chose is correct and advances the encounter. If the signal does not confirm, stop and re-read the environment rather than repeating the same taxi based on position.
What if nothing is ringing?
Check that the local encounter is accessible, that nearby enemies are cleared, and that you are at the actual Side Story cab rather than a normal yellow taxi. Leave the immediate area, reload a recent checkpoint, and return before assuming the quest is broken.
How this page was checked
Mila's Payphone Explained troubleshooting steps were compared across two independent launch-week walkthroughs. Official game identity and release facts are checked against Remedy Entertainment. Where puzzle-to-zone reports conflict, this guide labels the pairing as reported and tells players to follow the live visual clue.