For signaling detection using an adaptive threshold, the channel condition observed by a signaling bit (e.g., a paging indicator bit) is estimated (e.g., by a pilot strength estimate). A metric for the signaling bit is computed based on recovered symbols for the signaling bit and the estimated channel condition. An adaptive threshold is selected based on the estimated channel condition. A decision is derived for the signaling bit based on the metric, the adaptive threshold, and the estimated channel condition. Multiple threshold values may be derived for the adaptive threshold for multiple ranges of estimated channel condition, one threshold value for each range. A look-up table stores the threshold values and provides the proper adaptive threshold value for any given estimated channel condition.