WordPress Client Takeover: What to Do With an EPP Code, Website Files & Unlocked Domain

Taking over a client’s WordPress site can be straightforward—or painfully confusing. When your predecessor provides an EPP code, website files, and unlocks the domain, it might not be immediately obvious what steps to take next. If you’ve ever wondered “What am I supposed to do now?” after receiving these assets, you’re not alone. Many WordPress site migration beginners and digital marketers search for clear guidance on this situation.

In this guide, we will break down exactly what these elements mean, what you should do next, and how to properly transition a WordPress site for a new client without getting lost. We’ll cover domain transfer, site hosting, WordPress admin access, and practical migration checklists you can follow today.

Understanding What You Have on Hand

1. What Is an EPP Code and Why It Matters

An EPP code (also often called an authorization code, auth code, or transfer code) is essentially a security key required to transfer a domain name from one registrar to another. Without it, you generally cannot move the domain away from the current registrar.

The EPP code:

• Prevents unauthorized domain transfers.
• Confirms you (or your client) have permission to initiate the domain transition.

If the domain is already unlocked and you have the EPP code, you can transfer the domain to your preferred registrar or host. This is typically required before pointing the domain to a new hosting provider.

2. Why Website Files Alone Aren’t Enough

The “website files” your predecessor left you most likely include your WordPress theme, uploads, plugins, and core files exported from the site’s host via FTP or cPanel. But these files alone do not give you:

• Access to the WordPress admin dashboard
• A working database with posts, pages, users, and settings
• DNS records or domain control

To fully rebuild or migrate the site, you will need both the site files and the database backup (often a .sql file). If you only have partial files, ask the former admin to provide the full WordPress backup.

3. Where Administrator Access Fits In

Ideally, the previous admin would have made you an Administrator user inside WordPress and transferred hosting/domain access. Since that didn’t happen, you’ll need to rely on the resources you do have:

• Domain access via EPP code
• Website files
• DNS access if available
• Hosting control (if provided)

Once you secure hosting and a working WordPress installation, you can create a new admin user and regain full control.

Step-by-Step Action Plan

Step 1. Confirm Domain Ownership

First, confirm where the domain is registered (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, WordPress.com). Use a WHOIS lookup if needed. Then use the EPP code to:

• Transfer the domain to your preferred registrar, or
• Keep it at the current registrar but update DNS to point to a new host
  (domain transfer can take up to 5–7 days). WordPress.com

Step 2. Get Website Hosting

If the client hasn’t arranged hosting, choose a reliable WordPress host (e.g., SiteGround, Bluehost, Kinsta).
Upload your WordPress files and database to the new host.

Step 3. Upload Files & Database

1. Use cPanel / FTP to upload all site files.
2. Import the database using phpMyAdmin or a migration plugin.
3. Update wp-config.php with the new database name, user, and password.

Step 4. Update DNS / Point Domain

Once the domain is transferred—or if you leave it with the current registrar—update the domain’s nameservers to your host. If you’re pointing DNS without transferring the domain, just change the A records to point to your hosting server.

Step 5. Create a New WordPress Admin User

After the site is loading on the new host:

• Log into WP-Admin
• Go to Users → Add New
• Create your admin access
• Remove old users as appropriate

What If You Still Can’t Access WordPress Admin?

If you don’t have admin login credentials:

• Use MySQL to create a new admin account via phpMyAdmin.
• Alternatively, tools like WP-CLI or the All-in-One WP Migration plugin can restore access once you have hosting and database import.

Top Pitfalls to Avoid

• Assuming website files are all you need — database is required.
• Deleting the domain before transfer — this can immediately cancel ownership. WordPress.com
• Neglecting email hosting — migrating a domain doesn’t automatically move email unless configured.

Summary: Next Steps for You

Here is what to do right now:

1. Confirm domain registrar and save EPP code securely.
2. Initiate domain transfer or update DNS to point to new hosting.
3. Set up hosting and upload site files + database.
4. Create a new admin account in WP.
5. Verify site, pages, plugins, and SSL are working.