Can’t access Apple ID using old iPad mini

so generate the verification code on Your newer IOS device in settings Your name password and security then on ipad type the password and behind the generated verification code without space between pw and verification code

It makes sense what he/she wrote. The OP can't enter the 2FA verification code on the iPad mini (1st gen) because of the older version of iOS. OP must also own a newer iOS device (or Mac) because the OP stated "I have the code but nowhere to enter it on the mini". So the OP gets the 2FA code on a second device but can't enter that on the iPad mini.

Solution: Enter the 2FA code after the password.

So for example if your password is ABCDEF and the 2FA code is 123456 you type in ABCDEF123456 instead of just the password.

What ?

Do we even know if the OP OWNS a newer iDevice?

The OP owns an 7 or 8-year old iPad!

And what you wrote doesn't make sense or are you or I missing something.

Punctuate much?

Well,

I understood what you wrote and was much clearer to understand, now.