Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider a two-dimensional unsteady Casson magneto-nanfluid flow over an inclined plate embedded in a porous medium. The novelty of the present study is to investigate the effects of Soret–Dufour on unsteady magneto-nanofluid flow. Design/methodology/approach Appropriate similarity transformations are used to convert the governing non-linear partial differential equations into coupled non-linear dimensionless partial differential equations. The transformed equations are then solved using spectral relaxation method. Findings The effects of controlling parameters on flow profiles is discussed and depicted with the aid of graphs. Results show that as the non-Newtonian Casson nanofluid parameter increases, the fluid velocity decreases. It is found that the Soret parameter enhance the temperature profile, while Dufour parameter decreases the concentration profile close to the wall. Originality/value The novelty of this paper is to consider the combined effects of both Soret and Dufour on unsteady Casson magneto-nanofluid flow. The present model is in an inclined plate embedded in a porous medium which to the best of our knowledge has not been considered in the past. The applied magnetic field gives rise to an opposing force which slows the motion of the fluid. A newly developed spectral method known as spectral relaxation method (SRM) is used in solving the modeled equations. SRM is an iterative method that employ the Gauss–Seidel approach in solving both linear and non-linear differential equations. SRM is found to be effective and accurate.