The CuxNi1−xFe2O4 (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1.0) nanoferrite powder were synthesized through chemical co-precipitation method using only (FeCl3, 6H2O), (NiCl2, 6H2O), (CuCl2, 4H2O), NaOH and acid oleic as raw materials. The synthesized powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD); it was used to determine the structural properties. The transmission electron microscopy and the scanning electron microscopy were used to determine the morphology and particle size. The Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectroscopy is used to deduce the structural investigation and confirmation of ferrite. Raman spectroscopy is used to verify that we have synthesized CuxNi1−xFe2O4 and determines their phonon modes. The thermo gravimetric analysis findings allow the thermal cycle determination of samples whereas differential thermal analysis findings allow the phase transition temperature identification. The optical study UV–Visible is used to calculate the band gap energies. The vibrating sample magnetometer was used to obtain the hysteresis parameters. In conclude, the XRD confirmed the single phase spinel structure. The lattice constant increased with the increased copper contents. The size of nanoparticles decreased with the increased copper contents. The magnetic property of the CuxNi1−xFe2O4 shows remarkable changes with change of Cu2+.The variation of copper substitution has a significant influence on the optical, grain size and magnetic properties. The mean crystalline size of the synthesized ferrite was in the range of 14–43 nm. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.