This paper investigates a theoretical model of a mixed convective Oldroyd‐B nanofluid with thermal radiation and activation energy effects. A thorough analysis is done by employing the nonhomogeneous Buongiorno model in the presence of velocity slip and suction. The surface is porous in nature, and nanoparticle mass flux is maintained passively at the surface. The thermal and concentration equations are modeled with the Cattaneo–Christov theory of heat and mass flux, respectively. Proper transformations are utilized for the conversion of transport equations and boundary conditions. The similarity solution is obtained through a numerical approach by utilizing the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method and shooting technique. The vital outcomes of this study and the influence of controlling parameters on the flow field, temperature, and concentration profiles are discussed graphically and in a tabular manner. Furthermore, a detailed discussion is provided to explain the results physically. The velocity of the nanofluid increases when the porosity parameter is increased, and temperature decreases with increasing thermal relaxation parameter. The outcomes elucidate that the suction parameter, thermal radiation parameter, and thermal relaxation parameter are positively correlated with the heat transfer coefficient. The result of passive control of nanoparticles at the surface is that the Brownian motion parameter has no influence on the temperature of the Oldroyd‐B nanofluid flow and rate of heat transfer at the surface.