No, the dry mode of an air conditioner does not circulate air in the same way as the cooling mode. In cooling mode, the air conditioner extracts heat from the indoor air, cools it, and then circulates the cooled air back into the room. However, in dry mode, the primary function is to reduce the indoor humidity without lowering the temperature significantly.
When you activate the dry mode on your air conditioner, it operates similarly to a dehumidifier. The air conditioner's compressor runs at a lower capacity, and the fan circulates the indoor air over the evaporator coil. The evaporator coil cools down, causing the excess moisture (humidity) in the air to condense on the coil's surface. The condensed moisture is then collected and drained outside the unit, effectively reducing the humidity level in the room.
While dry mode can help in reducing indoor humidity, it may not be as effective as a dedicated dehumidifier. If the primary concern is high humidity, using a dehumidifier could be a more efficient option. However, in moderately humid conditions, the dry mode of an air conditioner can still provide some relief without making the room too cold.