Cryopreservation is a key technology for long-term storage of biological samples. However, cell viability is compromised by ice formation and recrystallization, osmotic stress, and cryoprotectant toxicity. Most studies have focused on improving the freezing process through cryoprotective agents, whereas the thawing process has received limited attention, despite evidence that ice recrystallization during thawing is a major cause of cell damage. Accelerating thawing is therefore essential to reduce such damage. One effective strategy is the use of materials enabling rapid temperature elevation or ice recrystallization suppression. Here, we present a peptide-functionalized photothermal platform combining photothermal thawing with ice recrystallization inhibition. Peptides directly inhibit ice recrystallization at the ice interface, complementing photothermal heating. This dual-function strategy improves post-thaw cell viability compared with photothermal heating alone.