sarenwill786

1. Regain Access to cPanel/Hosting

Since the agency changed the cPanel password, you need to regain control of your hosting account:

• Contact the hosting provider – Provide proof of ownership (domain registration details, business documents, or past invoices) and request a password reset or account transfer.
• Check domain registrar access – If you control the domain (via GoDaddy, Namecheap, etc.), you may be able to change nameservers or recover hosting access.

2. Access Source Code via WordPress Admin (If Possible)

If you still have WordPress admin access but can’t see theme files:

• Check user roles – Ensure your account has Administrator privileges (not just Editor).
• Use a plugin – Install a plugin like “WP File Manager” or “FileBird” to access theme files directly from WordPress.
• Theme Editor – Go to Appearance > Theme Editor, but some agencies disable this via define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true); in wp-config.php.

3. Download Files via FTP/SFTP

If you regain cPanel access (or get FTP credentials from the hosting provider):

• Use FileZilla or another FTP client to connect and download the entire wp-content folder (themes, plugins, uploads).
• Look for the theme files in /wp-content/themes/your-theme-name/.

4. Database Backup

Export your database via:

• phpMyAdmin (in cPanel)
• WP plugins like “All-in-One WP Migration” or “UpdraftPlus”.

5. Legal Action (If Necessary)

If the agency refuses to cooperate:

• Review your contract – Check if it includes ownership of code/hosting.
• Send a formal demand letter – Request all files and access.
• Contact a lawyer – If they still refuse, legal action may be necessary.

6. Prevent Future Issues

Once you regain control:

• Change all passwords (WordPress, hosting, FTP, database).
• Set up your own hosting account (migrate away from the agency’s control).
• Maintain backups (use plugins like Duplicator or BackupBuddy).