Purpose: This paper aims to incorporate a numerical investigation of unsteady flow of nano-fluid near the boundary wall and heat transmission over a flat sheet in porous media under the assumption that sheet is continuously stretching. A comprehensive study is accomplished to probe the impacts of different physical parameters on heat transmission and fluid flow. Design/methodology/approach: The problem is designed mathematically by using Navier–Stokes equations and corresponding equations are transmuted into non-dimensional form, which are reduced to local non-similarity equations. Implicit finite difference scheme is used to attain a non-similar solution for values of similarity variable ranging in [0,1] Findings: The reduced Nusselt number is a decreasing function of each dimensionless number, while the reduced Sherwood number is an increasing function of each considered value of parameters Pr, Sc, Nb and Nt. Originality value: Motivated by the industrial, technological and scientific importance, the objective of this study is to discuss the unsteady flow generated by linear stretching of the surface in Nano-fluid in a porous medium. However, the investigation of unsteady boundary layer flow and heat transfer of a Nano-fluid past a stretching surface immersed in a porous medium has not been discussed yet. Furthermore, finite difference scheme is used to solve the problem, and authenticate results are achieved which are in good agreement with published work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]