using Custom Firmware (CFW) for iOS 10.x is a popular method discussed on tech blogs like Animetrick to reuse legacy Apple devices.

If you just want to use the device for basic web browsing or watching videos, you can use a DNS bypass. This changes your Wi-Fi settings to route the device through a custom server, opening up an interface of apps without actually restoring the device.

For older devices like the iPhone 5, some modern jailbreak-based bypass tools might offer a more stable experience than older custom firmware.