You are likely visiting this page because you are unsure which ParentShield SIM plan is best suited to your needs. ParentShield currently offers two SIM options, each designed for different coverage and data requirements:
Understanding the differences between these two options will help you choose the most suitable SIM for your child’s device.
The All-Network Roaming SIM is our original and most flexible option. It is designed to provide the best possible mobile coverage across the UK.
This SIM can connect to all four UK mobile networks:
Your phone will automatically switch between these networks to use the strongest available signal in any given location.
This makes the All-Network Roaming SIM ideal if:
- Coverage in your area is inconsistent or unreliable
- You regularly experience signal dropouts
- You want maximum coverage flexibility rather than large data allowances
If EE coverage in your area is weak, or mobile signal is generally patchy, this SIM is usually the best choice.
If coverage is not a concern and you require larger data allowances, we recommend choosing an EE Network Only SIM.
This SIM connects exclusively to the EE network, rather than roaming across multiple networks. By operating on a single network, we are able to offer higher data tariffs.
The EE Network Only SIM is well suited for:
- Existing All-Network SIM users who are ready to upgrade to larger allowances
- Users who live in areas with strong EE coverage
- Customers who need higher data bundles
Due to the technical complexity and cost of operating across four separate mobile networks, the All-Network Roaming SIM cannot offer the same data tariffs as the EE Network Only SIM.
This difference is expected and reflects how each SIM is designed to operate.
Your phone will still need to be unlocked
If your child’s phone is locked to any network it will still need unlocking – even if you choose the network that it’s locked to.
We have a guide to Unlocking mobile phones in the Ultimate Unlocking Guide.
Phone locking applies to the core network ( Which is ParentShield ) and not the network that it connects to. For instance your phone can be locked to Vodafone, yet still roam and connect to Movistar Network in Spain, but you can’t put a Movistar SIM in the phone and connect to Movistar. I know. Confusing. Basically. If the phone is locked, it won’t work until it is.
Don’t worry about getting it wrong!
If you later discover that the SIM plan you selected is not right for you, please contact us. While we are unable to convert an All-Network Roaming SIM into an EE Network Only SIM (or vice versa), we are always happy to replace your SIM free of charge. Our priority is ensuring you have the correct SIM and tariff for your needs, and you can upgrade or downgrade within the same SIM plan at any time.
The 10-minute activation process is important.
When the SIM begins its activation sequence, we have the SIM try and signal all the available networks and see how well it can connect. This means the normal, and expected behaviour when you first power the phone back on after inserting the SIM, will be to see it connect, and disconnect several times. Probably even seeing it drop back to “Emergency Calls Only” once, twice or three times.
This isn’t anything to be worried about or a sign that anything is wrong. It’s expected. We are busy gathering information about the phone’s capabilities and your local networks to allow our systems to properly configure the SIM.
Call us if you are unsure
If you are unsure – feel free to use the Web Chat, or call 03301221180 for a chat. Emailing [email protected] will also do the trick and we’ll always be back to you very quickly.