PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide that porous media and viscous dissipation are crucial considerations when working with hybrid nanofluids in various applications.Recent years have witnessed significant progress in optimizing these fluids for enhanced heat transfer within porous (Darcy–Forchheimer) structures, offering promising solutions for various industries seeking improved thermalmanagement and energy efficiency.Design/methodology/approachThe first step is to transform the original partial differential equations into a system of first-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The fourth-order Runge–Kutta method is chosen for its accuracy in solving ODEs. The present study investigates the free convective boundary layer flow of hybrid nanofluids over a moving thin inclined needle with the slip flow brought about by inclined Lorentz force and Darcy–Forchheimer porous matrix, viscous dissipation.FindingsIt is found that slip conditions (velocity and Thermal) exist for a range of the natural convection boundary layer flow. In the hybrid nanofluid flow, which consists of Al2O3 and Fe3O4 are nanoparticles, H2O − C2H6O2 (50:50) are considered as the base fluid. The consequence of the governing parameter on the momentum and temperature profile distribution is graphically depicted. The range of the variables is 1 ≤ M ≤ 4, 1 ≤ d ≤ 2.5, 1 ≤ δ ≤ 4, 1 ≤ Fr ≤ 7, 1 ≤ Kr ≤ 7 and 0.5≤λ ≤ 3.5. The Nusselt number and skin friction factors are used to calculate the numerical values of various parameters, which are displayed in Table 4. These analyses elucidate that upsurges in the value of the Fr noticeably diminish the momentum and temperature. It is investigated to see if the contemporary results are in outstanding promise with the outcomes reported in earlier works.Practical implicationsThe results can be very helpful to improve the energy efficiency of thermal systems.Social implicationsThe hybrid nanofluids in heat transfer have the potential to improve the energy efficiency and performance of a wide range of systems.Originality/valueThis study proposes that in the combined effects of hybrid nanofluid properties, the inclined Lorentz force, the Darcy–Forchheimer model for porous media and viscous dissipation on the boundary layer flow of a conducting fluid over a moving thin inclined needle. Assessing the potential practical applications of the hybrid nanofluids in inclined needles, this could involve areas such as biomedical engineering, drug delivery systems or microfluidic devices. In future should explore the benefits and limitations of using hybrid nanofluids in these applications.