Millennial generation refers to people who grow in millennial era. Millennial era is an era of digital technology in which people in this era are close to technology and they were born in an era of instant access. This study aims to investigate students‟ perception on the characteristics of an effective English language teacher in millennial era. This study used qualitative research approach and provided descriptive qualitative design. Besides, this study was conducted at a private university in Yogyakarta. The participants of this study were four students of English Language Education Department (ELED) batch 2016. In collecting the data, this study used in-depth interview. In addition, the findings showed that in socio-affective skills, an effective English language teacher in millennial era should enhance students‟ motivation to learn, create good classroom atmosphere, have good relation with the students and other teachers, and understand students‟ character. Besides, in pedagogical knowledge, an effective English language teacher should give a feedback, have good ability in explaining the lesson, ensure students‟ understanding about the lesson, have lesson plan, utilize and applied technology, give opportunity to students to write a reflection, and control class activities. Moreover, in subject-matter knowledge, an effective English language teacher should be knowledgeable and master on English. Then, in personality characteristics, an effective English language teacher should be smart, caring, friendly, discipline, creative, kind, patient, humorous, responsible, open-minded, and professional.