The escalating pollution from industries poses a severe threat to water resources, necessitating efficient photocatalysts for environmental remediation. In this study, we introduce a novel Zn0.5Ni0.5MnxFe2-xO4 nano ferrite, synthesized via sol–gel auto-combustion method. The phase purity of Zn0.5Ni0.5MnxFe2-xO4 nano ferrites was confirmed from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. The microstructural investigation of nano ferrites was investigated using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The catalyst’s magnetic properties allow easy separation, addressing the challenge of catalyst retrieval in photocatalysis. Incorporating Zn, Ni, and Mn at tetrahedral and octahedral sites enhances crystallinity, crucial for catalytic efficiency. This mixed metal oxide catalyst demonstrates superior photocatalytic activity, with Zn0.5Ni0.5MnFeO4 exhibiting a remarkable 97% degradation of Reactive Orange (RO) dye under sunlight. Notably, the photocatalyst displays stability and reusability over multiple cycles. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of Zn0.5Ni0.5MnxFe2-xO4 ferrite as a magnetically separable, efficient photocatalyst for environmental remediation.