Can the police check the text messages from a few years ago?

Legal analysis: generally within 6 months. The public security bureau can find short messages, but it can't just check them. People's Republic of China (PRC) citizens' freedom and privacy of communication are protected by law. When public security organs and procuratorial organs check communication according to the procedures prescribed by law, no organization or individual may infringe upon citizens' freedom and privacy of communication for any reason, except for the needs of national security or criminal investigation.

Legal basis: Article 148 of the Criminal Procedure Law of People's Republic of China (PRC). After filing a case, the public security organ can take technical investigation measures against crimes endangering national security, terrorist activities, organized crimes of underworld nature, major drug crimes or other crimes seriously endangering society after strict approval procedures according to the needs of investigating crimes. Technical reconnaissance measures include electronic monitoring, telephone monitoring, electronic monitoring, secret photography, video recording, mail inspection and other secret special technical means, and naturally short message inquiry can also be carried out.