Since the iPhone 5s uses the , it is vulnerable to the checkm8 bootrom exploit . This is a permanent, unpatchable hardware vulnerability. However, checkm8 requires a computer and specialized software. Here is the current landscape for iOS 12.5.7.

Most bypass methods for the iPhone 5s result in a status, meaning:

If you have an iPhone 5s on iOS 12.5.7, the "easy" days of the iCloud bypass are largely over.

iCloud bypass refers to the process of removing the iCloud activation lock, which prevents a device from being used if it's locked to an Apple ID. This lock is designed to protect devices from theft and unauthorized use. However, for legitimate owners who've forgotten their Apple ID or password, iCloud bypass can be a lifesaver.

This time, the iPhone screen flickered. The Apple logo appeared. Then—impossibly—the “Hello” screen in 23 languages. She slid to set up. The Wi-Fi screen appeared. Then the “Set Up as New iPhone” option. No iCloud lock. No email prompt. Just a clean, bypassed device.

If you only want to use the phone as an iPod touch (Wi-Fi only, no SIM), some services offer a "Hello Screen" bypass. This hides the Activation Lock page using a temporary profile. It costs about $10-$15.