The Pt(IV) complex cis,cis,trans-[Pt(NH3)2(Cl)2(O2CCH2CH2CO2H)2] is photoactivated by near infrared light (980 nm) using NaYF4:Yb(3+)/Tm(3+)@NaYF4 core-shell upconversion nanoparticles. Coupling of this cisplatin precursor with the biocompatible PEGylated phospholipid DSPE-PEG(2000)-NH2 affords a valuable approach to decorate the surface of the nanoparticles, providing novel photoactivatable nanomaterials capable of releasing Pt(II) species upon NIR light excitation.