Since you want a free solution, you have two primary routes for the iPad Mini 1 (iOS 9.3.5).
Restoring in recovery mode or DFU mode will not remove iCloud lock. It only erases the iPad and re-triggers activation lock. bypass icloud ipad mini 1 ios 93 5 free
Even after removing iCloud lock, know that: Since you want a free solution, you have
You can still use it as:
But for daily tasks, even a cheap Android tablet from 2020 outperforms the iPad Mini 1. You can still use it as: